Hiring and Sponsoring Production managers and directors in construction (SOC Code 1122)

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If you are a UK employer looking to hire overseas workers as production managers or directors in construction, understanding SOC Code 1122 is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring skilled workers in this occupation, from eligibility and salary requirements to the application process and compliance responsibilities.

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Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Production managers and directors in construction fall under SOC Code 1122 and are eligible for the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship to overseas candidates.
• The going rate and minimum salary thresholds must be met to sponsor workers under this occupation code.
• Construction employers must demonstrate genuine vacancy requirements and maintain ongoing compliance obligations.

What Is SOC Code 1122?

SOC Code 1122 covers production managers and directors in construction. This occupation includes professionals who plan, organise, direct and coordinate the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, infrastructure and civil engineering projects. Workers in this role are responsible for overseeing project delivery from inception through to completion, managing costs, quality standards and timelines.

Typical Job Titles Under SOC 1122

• Construction Manager
• Site Manager
• Project Manager (Construction)
• Contracts Manager
• Civil Engineering Manager
• Building Services Manager
• Production Director (Construction)

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning and scheduling construction projects to meet agreed timelines and budgets
• Coordinating subcontractors, suppliers and on-site teams
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation and building regulations
• Managing project costs and preparing cost estimates and reports
• Liaising with clients, architects, engineers and regulatory bodies
• Monitoring quality standards throughout the construction process
• Resolving site problems and managing risk

Is SOC Code 1122 Eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. SOC Code 1122 is on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. This means UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor overseas nationals to work in this role, provided all eligibility criteria are met by both the employer and the candidate.

Skill Level

SOC 1122 is classified at RQF Level 6 and above, which corresponds to degree-level qualifications or equivalent professional experience. Candidates do not necessarily need a formal degree, but they must demonstrate the skills and experience appropriate to this level.

Salary Requirements for Sponsoring Under SOC 1122

To sponsor a worker under SOC Code 1122, employers must pay at least the higher of the general salary threshold and the going rate for the occupation. Salary requirements were updated following the immigration rule changes that came into effect in April 2024.

Minimum Salary Thresholds

• General threshold: £41,700 per year
• Going rate for SOC 1122: employers should check the current going rate on the official UK government guidance, as this is subject to periodic updates
• New entrant rate: a lower threshold may apply for workers who qualify as new entrants, typically 70% of the going rate

New Entrant Discount

The new entrant rate applies to workers who are under 26 years old, are currently in the UK on a student visa or graduate visa, or are switching from certain other routes. If eligible, employers can pay 70% of the going rate, though the absolute minimum salary floor still applies.

Shortage Occupation Considerations

Following the abolition of the Shortage Occupation List and its replacement with the Immigration Salary List, employers should check whether SOC 1122 appears on the Immigration Salary List. If it does, a 20% discount on the going rate may be available. Always verify the current position on gov.uk before making a hiring decision.

How to Sponsor a Production Manager or Director in Construction

Sponsoring an overseas worker involves several steps. Employers must ensure they have the right licence and follow the correct process from the outset.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Obtain a sponsor licence from the Home Office if you do not already hold one
2. Confirm the role meets the eligibility criteria under SOC Code 1122
3. Ensure the salary offered meets or exceeds the applicable threshold
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the candidate via the Sponsor Management System
5. Ensure the candidate applies for their Skilled Worker visa before travelling to the UK
6. Carry out right to work checks before employment begins
7. Maintain ongoing sponsor compliance duties throughout the worker's employment

Applying for a Sponsor Licence

If your business does not yet hold a sponsor licence, you will need to apply to the Home Office before you can issue any Certificate of Sponsorship. The application is made online and requires supporting documents to demonstrate that your organisation is genuine, lawful and capable of meeting sponsor duties.

Key Requirements for a Sponsor Licence Application

• The organisation must be a genuine trading entity operating legally in the UK
• You must appoint key personnel including an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User
• You must be able to demonstrate HR systems capable of monitoring sponsored workers
• There must be no history of immigration non-compliance or serious criminal convictions among key personnel

Licence Application Fees

• Small or charitable sponsors: £536
• Medium or large sponsors: £1,682

Certificate of Sponsorship for SOC 1122

Once you hold a sponsor licence, you will assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to your candidate through the Sponsor Management System. The CoS contains details about the job role, salary, start date and other employment information. There are two types of CoS relevant to employers.

Defined CoS

Used when the worker is currently outside the UK and applying for entry clearance. Defined CoS allocations must be requested from the Home Office before they can be assigned.

Undefined CoS

Used when the worker is already in the UK and switching or extending their visa. Undefined CoS are generally available from your allocation without a separate request.

Skilled Worker Visa Application: What the Candidate Needs

Once the CoS has been assigned, the candidate can apply for their Skilled Worker visa. They must meet several requirements to be granted leave to work in the UK.

Candidate Eligibility Requirements

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• A job offer at the correct skill level and salary
• English language proficiency at B1 level or above
• Sufficient funds to support themselves on arrival, unless exempt
• A valid passport or travel document

Visa Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge

• Skilled Worker visa application fee varies depending on the length of the visa and whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be paid by the applicant for each year of their visa
• Some employers choose to cover these costs as part of their recruitment package

Sponsor Compliance Duties for Construction Employers

Holding a sponsor licence comes with ongoing legal obligations. Failure to meet these duties can result in the licence being downgraded, suspended or revoked, which would affect all sponsored workers at your organisation.

Key Ongoing Compliance Obligations

• Carry out right to work checks for all employees before they start work
• Keep up-to-date records of all sponsored workers including contact details and employment records
• Report changes to the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System, including changes to the worker's role, salary or circumstances
• Report if a sponsored worker does not turn up for work, is absent without permission or leaves the role
• Cooperate with any Home Office audit or compliance visit

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Copy of the worker's passport and visa documentation
• National Insurance number
• Contact details including home address
• Records of absences and any changes to working hours or salary

Why Construction Employers Are Hiring Overseas Workers

The UK construction sector continues to face significant skills shortages, particularly at the management and directorial level. Complex infrastructure projects, housing delivery targets and a shrinking domestic pipeline of experienced construction managers mean that overseas recruitment is increasingly common for roles under SOC Code 1122.

Benefits of Hiring International Production Managers

• Access to a wider pool of experienced construction professionals
• International candidates often bring expertise in specialist areas including civil engineering, large-scale project management and sustainable construction
• Overseas hires can help fill urgent vacancies that cannot be filled domestically within the required timeframe

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOC Code 1122 cover?