International Manager (Immigration)

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an International Manager (Immigration) to join the Wellcome Sanger Institute. This unique role situates you at the heart of a research organisation where you will support ground-breaking science and innovative research through your comprehensive knowledge of the UK immigration system.

If you are passionate about supporting others and adept at navigating the UK immigration system then please read on…

About the role:

You will be responsible for supporting the efficient running of a comprehensive in-house, visa and immigration service. This role will play a key part in supporting the Sanger Institute’s Talent Acquisition strategy to attract and retain talented individuals, whilst providing immigration guidance, service and standards throughout an employee’s time at the Institute. You will have the opportunity to support individuals, teams and scientific programmes across the Institute and will be expected to continue to raise the positive profile of this valued service.

What You’ll Do:

• Ensure compliance with UK immigration laws while guiding new starters and employees through the visa application process.
• Manage a varied caseload of immigration queries and applications, delivering expert advice on sponsored worker visas.
• Collaborate with HR and Talent Acquisition teams to maintain accurate visa data and support a seamless on-boarding experience.
• Support visit requests to the Institute from Collaborators and Contingent Workers located domestically and internationally, providing immigration support where relevant.

Essential Skills:

Technical Skills:

• Previous experience of managing, prioritising and tracking a high number of immigration cases at any one time.
• Demonstrable working knowledge of immigration application routes, legislation and processes in particular relating to Sponsored Workers.
• A background in Immigration Compliance.
• Experience in dealing with complex immigration issues.
• Previous experience of working with the UKVI SMS system.

Competencies and Behaviours:

• Strong attention to detail – particularly with regards to understanding policy & procedure.
• Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced, high-energy, demanding environment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to give clear instructions and guidance effectively to a range of people.
• Strong attention to detail – particularly with regards to understanding policy & procedure.
• Able to adapt positively to changing work priorities, ensuring key deadlines continue to be met and work is prioritised effectively.
• Strong personal ownership for quality of work and impact, with high service orientation.
• Ability to multi-task and work to targets to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating exceptional time management, organisation, and judgment.
• Demonstrates an approachable attitude and a willingness to share information.
• Experience working with confidential information.
• Diplomacy and tact.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Applications.

About our team:

You will be based within our Talent Acquisition team, which supports all aspects of recruitment for the Institute, working to recruit the best and diverse talent who will contribute to the success of the organisation. Which includes an established service providing immigration expertise to lead the visa and immigration activity through the employee lifecycle.

The Talent Acquisition Team sit within the Human Resources Team who are made up of expert functions and include, EDI, Learning & Engagement, HR Services & Systems and the HR Partnering Team.

Other Information:

• Salary in the region of £40,000-£50,000
• We work in a flexible-hybrid working team where a minimum of 2 days in the office are required.
• Closing date: 27th October

Hybrid Working at Wellcome Sanger:

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world. We have a supportive culture with the following staff networks, LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness. The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We want our people to be whoever they want to be because we believe people who bring their best selves to work, do their best work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute. We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Our Benefits:

We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme. The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.

Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.  The Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Every year the Wellcome Sanger Institute supports the visits of dozens of overseas researchers from across the globe to the Genome campus to collaborate, share insights and to undertake ground-breaking scientific research. Our reliable in-house service provides expert advice and guidance to support current and prospective staff, and visitors at various points of their journey. We are able to provide guidance through your entire journey, from initial visa application through to extensions and applications of Indefinite Leave to Remain, the service is proud to support your personal applications and those of your dependants and family members. 

For more information about our immigration service visit: https://www.sanger.ac.uk/about/careers/global-mobility-and-immigration-service/