Hiring and Sponsoring Marketing sales and advertising directors (SOC Code 1132)

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Hiring a Marketing, Sales and Advertising Director from overseas requires a UK sponsor licence and a clear understanding of SOC Code 1132. This guide covers everything UK employers need to know about sponsoring overseas workers into this senior role, from eligibility and salary thresholds to the Certificate of Sponsorship process and compliance obligations.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Marketing, Sales and Advertising Directors fall under SOC Code 1132 on the Skilled Worker visa eligible occupations list.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to an overseas candidate.
• The going rate and minimum salary threshold must both be met when sponsoring under this SOC code.
• Sponsors must carry out right to work checks and maintain accurate records for Home Office compliance.
• Annaizu can help UK employers manage the full sponsorship process from licence application to ongoing compliance.

What Is SOC Code 1132?

SOC Code 1132 covers Marketing, Sales and Advertising Directors. These are senior professionals responsible for planning and directing an organisation's marketing, sales and advertising strategies. The role typically sits at board or director level and involves oversight of teams, budgets, campaigns and customer communication strategies.

Typical Duties Under SOC 1132

• Developing and implementing marketing, sales and advertising strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Directing market research activity and analysing customer and competitor data.
• Managing and enhancing customer communication programmes.
• Overseeing advertising campaigns across digital and traditional channels.
• Setting targets and monitoring performance across sales and marketing teams.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction levels are maintained through quality service standards.
• Managing relationships with external agencies, suppliers and media partners.
• Reporting to boards and senior leadership on commercial performance.

Is SOC Code 1132 Eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. Marketing, Sales and Advertising Directors under SOC Code 1132 appear on the list of eligible occupations for the UK Skilled Worker visa. This means UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor overseas nationals into this role, provided all other visa requirements are met.

Skill Level and Eligibility

SOC Code 1132 sits at RQF Level 6 and above, meaning it qualifies as a skilled occupation under the points-based immigration system. Candidates do not need a specific formal qualification in marketing or advertising, but they must demonstrate relevant experience and suitability for a director-level position.

Salary Requirements for Sponsoring Under SOC 1132

When sponsoring a worker under the Skilled Worker route, employers must pay whichever is the higher of the general minimum salary threshold or the going rate for the specific SOC code.

Current Salary Thresholds

• The general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas is £41,700 per year as of April 2024.
• The going rate for SOC Code 1132 must be checked against the most recent Home Office occupation coding tool and associated salary tables.
• Employers must pay at least the higher of these two figures - whichever is greater applies.
• New entrant rates may apply in limited circumstances, typically offering a lower threshold, but this is rarely applicable at director level.

Employers should always verify the current going rate directly from the official UK government skilled occupations guidance before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

How to Sponsor a Marketing, Sales and Advertising Director

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before sponsoring any overseas worker, your organisation must hold a valid UK sponsor licence for the Skilled Worker route. If you do not already have one, you must apply to the Home Office and demonstrate that your business is genuine and capable of meeting sponsor duties.

Step 2: Identify the Role and SOC Code

Confirm that the role you are recruiting for genuinely matches the duties and responsibilities described under SOC Code 1132. Misclassifying a role under an incorrect SOC code is a compliance risk and could result in a sponsor licence suspension or revocation.

Step 3: Carry Out a Resident Labour Market Test (if applicable)

The formal Resident Labour Market Test was abolished under the points-based system. However, employers should ensure they can demonstrate the recruitment process was genuine and that the overseas candidate is suitable for the role.

Step 4: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once you have identified your candidate, you assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System. The CoS must accurately reflect the role, salary, SOC code and start date. The worker will then use the CoS reference number as part of their visa application.

Step 5: Worker Applies for the Skilled Worker Visa

Your sponsored worker applies online for the Skilled Worker visa, providing the CoS reference, evidence of English language proficiency, financial maintenance evidence and any other documents required. Processing times vary depending on the application route chosen.

Step 6: Conduct Right to Work Checks

Before your new director begins work, you must conduct a compliant right to work check. For overseas nationals with a Skilled Worker visa, this involves checking their visa status either through the Home Office online checking service or by examining their physical immigration document.

Sponsor Licence Duties When Hiring Under SOC 1132

Holding a sponsor licence comes with ongoing obligations. For a director-level hire under SOC Code 1132, employers must be particularly attentive to these responsibilities given the seniority of the role.

Key Ongoing Sponsor Obligations

• Report any changes to the sponsored worker's role, salary or employment status through the Sponsor Management System within the required timescales.
• Keep copies of right to work documents and contact details for the sponsored worker.
• Notify the Home Office if the worker is absent without permission for more than ten consecutive working days.
• Ensure the worker is being paid in line with the salary stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship throughout their employment.
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visit or audit.

Right to Work Checks for Marketing Directors

All employers in the UK must carry out right to work checks before employment begins. For sponsored workers, this means verifying that the individual has valid permission to work in the role you are employing them in. A director-level hire does not reduce this obligation - in fact, the Home Office expects greater diligence at senior levels.

Acceptable Right to Work Check Methods

• Online check via the Home Office employer checking service using the worker's share code.
• Manual check of a valid Biometric Residence Permit or visa vignette where applicable.
• Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) check through an authorised provider for British and Irish nationals.

Common Compliance Risks for SOC 1132 Sponsorships

Sponsoring a director-level employee under SOC Code 1132 carries the same compliance risks as any other Skilled Worker sponsorship. The following issues are among the most commonly identified in Home Office audits.

Frequent Compliance Issues

• Failing to report a change in salary, role or job title through the SMS within the required timeframe.
• Assigning the wrong SOC code, particularly where a role spans marketing, sales and operational management.
• Not keeping adequate records of right to work checks and employment documentation.
• Paying below the going rate, especially where performance-related pay or bonuses are included in the salary calculation.
• Not updating the Home Office when the sponsored director leaves the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOC Code 1132 cover?

SOC Code 1132 covers Marketing, Sales and Advertising Directors. These are senior professionals who plan, direct and coordinate an organisation's marketing, sales and advertising functions. Typical duties include conducting market research, enhancing customer communication, managing enquiries, implementing campaigns and ensuring customer satisfaction through quality service standards.

Can I sponsor a Marketing Director on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC Code 1132 is eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. Provided you hold a valid sponsor licence, the role meets the going rate, and the candidate meets the eligibility requirements, you can sponsor a Marketing, Sales or Advertising Director from overseas.

What is the minimum salary for sponsoring under SOC 1132?

You must pay whichever is higher: the general Skilled Worker minimum of £41,700 per year or the specific going rate for SOC Code 1132 as set out in the Home Office salary tables. Director-level roles under this code typically attract salaries well above the general minimum threshold.

Do I need a sponsor licence to hire an overseas Marketing Director?

Yes. If the candidate does not already have the right to work in the UK, you must hold a valid sponsor licence before you can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship and proceed with the visa application.

How long does it take to sponsor a worker under SOC 1132?

If you already hold a sponsor licence, the process from assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker receiving their visa decision typically takes three to eight weeks using the standard service, or around five to ten working days on the priority service. If you need to apply for a sponsor licence first, this adds approximately eight weeks to the timeline.

What records must I keep for a sponsored Marketing Director?