Hiring and Sponsoring Sales accounts and business development managers (SOC Code 3556)

Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers, classified under SOC Code 3556, are pivotal figures in driving a business's growth through effective sales strategies and account management. Their roles encompass a variety of responsibilities essential to sustaining competitive advantage, including:

• Liaison with Senior Staff: Collaborates with senior management to define the range of goods or services to be marketed and sold.
• Sales Strategy Development: Contributes to formulating innovative sales strategies and establishing achievable sales targets.
• Client Requirement Analysis: Engages with employers or clients to thoroughly understand their needs and preferences.
• Market Research and Analysis: Conducts surveys to gauge customer reactions to product, packaging, pricing, etc., and compiles necessary sales figures.
• Proposal Preparation: Prepares marketing campaign proposals and promotional activities based on thorough market research findings.
• Customer Account Management: Manages customer accounts to foster long-term relationships and facilitate sales growth.
• Recruitment and Training: Recruits, trains, and mentors junior sales staff to enhance team performance and effectiveness.
• Reporting and Recommendations: Produces comprehensive reports and strategic recommendations pertaining to marketing and sales initiatives for senior management reviews.
• Ongoing Competitor Analysis: Stays updated on industry products and competitive landscape to inform strategic decision-making.

Given the dynamic nature of sales in today's business environment, the demand for skilled Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers is rising. This guide aims to assist HR professionals in the process of hiring and sponsoring these vital roles under the UK’s immigration framework.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Sales accounts and business development managers?

SOC Code 3556 refers to Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers who play a vital role in driving business growth and client satisfaction. Their responsibilities can include:

• Liaising with senior staff: Collaborating with higher management to identify the range of goods or services to be sold.
• Developing sales strategies: Contributing to the formulation of sales strategies and the establishment of sales targets.
• Understanding client needs: Discussing requirements with employers or clients to tailor offerings to their needs.
• Conducting surveys: Analyzing customer reactions to products, packaging, pricing, etc. to inform strategic decisions.
• Compiling sales data: Analyzing sales figures and preparing reports to assess performance and market trends.
• Preparing marketing proposals: Drafting recommendations for marketing campaigns and promotional activities based on research.
• Handling customer accounts: Managing relationships with clients and ensuring their needs are met.
• Recruiting and training staff: Identifying and training junior sales staff to strengthen the sales team.
• Producing management reports: Creating reports and proposals concerning marketing and sales strategies for senior management review.
• Monitoring industry trends: Keeping abreast of product developments and competitor activities to adapt strategies accordingly.

Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers are crucial in fostering business growth, enhancing customer relationships, and sustaining competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Eligibility to Hire Sales accounts and business development managers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Sales accounts and business development managers must possess strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills to effectively drive sales initiatives and meet business goals. The qualifications or experience criteria include:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field is typically preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience in sales, account management, or business development, preferably in a managerial role.
• Sales Strategies: Ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies and set measurable sales targets.
• Market Research: Skills in carrying out market research, analyzing customer feedback, and assessing product performance.
• Reporting: Experience in compiling and analyzing sales figures and preparing detailed reports for senior management.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and mentor junior sales staff.
• Customer Relationship Management: Proven track record of managing customer accounts and delivering high-quality customer service.
• Competitor Analysis: Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitors, and market conditions.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 3556 and that the candidate’s experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Sales accounts and business development managers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Sales accounts and business development  managers under SOC Code 3556.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Sales accounts and business development  managers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Sales accounts and business development  managers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Sales accounts and business development  managers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Sales accounts and business development managers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Sales accounts and business development managers’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Sales accounts and business development  managers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Sales accounts and business development managers

Before the Sales accounts and business development  managers begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Sales accounts and business development managers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Sales accounts and business development managers holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Sales accounts and business development managers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Sales accounts and business development managers’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Sales accounts and business development  managerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Sales accounts and business development managers

Sponsoring Sales accounts and business development  managers under SOC Code 3556 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Sales accounts and business development  managers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Sales accounts and business development  managers under SOC Code 3556 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.