Hiring and Sponsoring Purchasing managers and directors (SOC Code 1134)

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Purchasing managers and directors play a critical role in UK businesses, overseeing procurement strategies, negotiating supplier contracts, and ensuring the timely delivery of goods and services. If your organisation needs to hire internationally for this role, understanding the UK sponsorship process under SOC code 1134 is essential. This guide covers everything employers need to know about sponsoring purchasing managers and directors on a Skilled Worker visa.

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

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Purchasing managers and directors fall under SOC code 1134 and are eligible for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office for this occupation code.
• Right to work checks are mandatory for all new hires, regardless of nationality.
• Compliance with sponsor duties is ongoing and includes record-keeping, reporting, and monitoring obligations.

What Does SOC Code 1134 Cover?

Roles Included Under This Code

SOC code 1134 covers purchasing managers and directors who are responsible for planning and organising procurement activities within an organisation. Typical job titles in this category include Procurement Manager, Purchasing Director, Supply Chain Manager, and Head of Procurement.

Typical Duties

• Developing and implementing procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Negotiating contracts with suppliers to secure favourable terms and pricing.
• Managing supplier relationships and evaluating supplier performance.
• Ensuring compliance with purchasing legislation and internal policies.
• Overseeing inventory management and stock control processes.
• Leading and managing procurement teams.
• Monitoring market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 1134

Minimum Salary Requirements

To sponsor a purchasing manager or director under the Skilled Worker route, the role must meet the Home Office minimum salary threshold. As of 2024, the general threshold is £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Employers should check the latest Home Office guidance on GOV.UK to confirm the current going rate for SOC code 1134 before issuing a CoS.

Skill Level Requirement

SOC code 1134 is classified at RQF Level 6 or above, meaning it qualifies as a skilled occupation under the Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates do not need to hold a degree specifically, but the role must genuinely require skills at this level.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level or above on the Common European Framework of Reference. This can be evidenced through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

How to Sponsor a Purchasing Manager or Director

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before you can hire a worker from outside the UK, your organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. You can apply through the GOV.UK sponsor licence application portal. The application requires evidence that your business is genuine, operating lawfully, and capable of meeting sponsor obligations.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once licensed, you must assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to your chosen candidate through the Sponsor Management System (SMS). The CoS contains details about the role, salary, and start date, and must accurately reflect the job offer.

Step 3: Candidate Applies for the Visa

The candidate uses the CoS reference number to apply for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK, or to switch their visa category if they are already in the UK. The application is made online and typically requires biometric information, supporting documents, and the visa fee.

Step 4: Carry Out Right to Work Checks

Before the worker starts employment, you must conduct a compliant right to work check. For sponsored workers, this involves checking the visa vignette or using the Home Office online checking service with the worker's share code.

Step 5: Fulfil Ongoing Sponsor Duties

Sponsorship does not end once the worker arrives. You must continue to meet your sponsor duties throughout the period of employment, including reporting changes to the Home Office and maintaining accurate records.

Sponsor Licence Costs and Visa Fees

Sponsor Licence Application Fee

The cost of a sponsor licence depends on the size of your organisation. Small or charitable sponsors pay £536, while medium and large sponsors pay £1,682. Your organisation qualifies as small if it meets at least two of the following: annual turnover of £10.2 million or less, total assets of £5.1 million or less, or 50 employees or fewer.

Certificate of Sponsorship Fee

Each CoS assigned costs £239. This fee is paid by the employer and cannot be passed on to the worker.

Immigration Skills Charge

Employers must also pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) when assigning a CoS. The charge is £1,000 per year for medium and large sponsors, and £364 per year for small sponsors and charities. This applies for each year of the visa.

Visa Application Fee

The worker pays the visa application fee, which varies depending on the length of the visa and whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. Workers must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £1,035 per year.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations for Sponsors

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Keep a copy of each sponsored worker's passport and visa.
• Maintain up-to-date contact details for each sponsored employee.
• Record details of any absences from work exceeding ten days.
• Retain evidence of right to work checks for the duration of employment and for two years afterwards.

Reporting Duties

• Report significant changes to a sponsored worker's role, including changes to salary, job title, or working location, through the SMS.
• Report if a sponsored worker does not turn up for their first day of work.
• Report if a worker's employment is terminated before their visa expires.
• Report any changes to your organisation's details, such as a change of address or ownership.

Monitoring Obligations

Sponsors must monitor immigration status and track visa expiry dates for all sponsored workers. Allowing someone to work without valid leave is a criminal offence and can result in a civil penalty of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, as well as revocation of the sponsor licence.

Recruiting Purchasing Managers and Directors from Overseas

Advertising Requirements

The Resident Labour Market Test was abolished for most Skilled Worker routes. However, employers should still document their recruitment process and ensure the role genuinely matches the SOC code assigned. The Home Office may request evidence of recruitment activity during compliance visits.

Checking Qualifications and Experience

For purchasing managers and directors, relevant professional qualifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) accreditation are highly valued. While not a legal requirement for sponsorship, verifying relevant experience and credentials protects your organisation and strengthens the visa application.

Overseas Criminal Record Checks

Some employers choose to carry out overseas criminal record checks for senior procurement roles due to the financial responsibilities involved. While not mandatory under immigration rules, this is considered good practice for roles with significant purchasing authority.

Common Mistakes Employers Make When Sponsoring SOC 1134 Roles

• Assigning the wrong SOC code, which can lead to a visa refusal or compliance breach.
• Offering a salary below the minimum threshold or the going rate for the role.
• Failing to update the SMS when the worker's role or salary changes.
• Not conducting right to work checks before the worker's start date.
• Allowing the sponsor licence to lapse before renewing it.
• Passing prohibited costs such as the CoS fee or ISC on to the worker.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC code 1134?

SOC code 1134 refers to purchasing managers and directors. It is used by the Home Office to classify roles involved in planning, directing, and coordinating procurement and supply chain activities within organisations.

Can I sponsor a purchasing manager on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Purchasing managers and directors under SOC code 1134 are eligible for sponsorship on the Skilled Worker visa route, provided the role meets the minimum salary threshold and the employer holds a valid sponsor licence.

What is the minimum salary for sponsoring a purchasing manager in 2024?

The general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker sponsorship is £41,700 per year. You must also pay at least the going rate for SOC code 1134 as set out in the Home Office's Appendix Skilled Occupations. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK as these figures are subject to change.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

Standard sponsor licence applications are typically processed within eight weeks. A priority service is available for an additional fee, reducing processing time to around ten working days.