What is SOC code 1121?

SOC code 1121 is the Standard Occupational Classification code for production managers and directors in manufacturing. UK employers use it on a Certificate of Sponsorship to identify the job being sponsored.

Is occupation code 1121 eligible for the Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Code 1121 is classed as Higher Skilled (RQF 6 and above) and is fully eligible for the Skilled Worker route, provided the salary requirement is met.

What is the minimum salary for SOC code 1121?

The going rate for code 1121 is £55,000 a year. You must be paid at least the going rate or the general threshold of £41,700, whichever is higher — so a minimum of £55,000 for a standard application.

SOC Code 1121: Production managers and directors in manufacturing

Occupation code 1121 covers production managers and directors in manufacturing. On the UK Skilled Worker route this code is classed as Higher Skilled, with a standard going rate of £55,000.

Is code 1121 eligible for sponsorship?

Occupation code 1121 is classed as Higher Skilled (RQF level 6 and above), so it is fully eligible for sponsorship on the Skilled Worker route. Provided the salary meets the threshold below and your employer holds a licence, this code can be used on a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Salary requirement for code 1121

General salary threshold (most new applicants)	£41,700
Standard going rate for code 1121	£55,000 (£28.21/hour)
Lower going rate (discounted cases)	£40,000 (£20.51/hour)

What you must actually be paid

You must meet both the general threshold and the going rate — whichever is higher applies. For occupation code 1121 that means a minimum of £55,000 a year for a standard application, set by the going rate for this occupation.

If you qualify for a discounted rate — a new entrant, someone switching from a Student or Graduate visa, a relevant PhD holder, or a role on the Immigration Salary List — the comparison is against the lower going rate and the £33,400 threshold, giving a minimum of £40,000.

Only guaranteed basic gross pay counts. Overtime, bonuses, tips, allowances and the value of benefits such as accommodation are excluded. Going rates are quoted for a 37.5-hour week and are pro-rated for different hours. See how salary thresholds work.

Job titles under this code

GOV.UK lists the following related job titles for occupation code 1121. Your employer should choose the code that matches your actual duties, not your job title — different employers use different titles for the same work.

Production managers and directors in manufacturing

Which employers can sponsor this role?

Any employer holding a Skilled Worker sponsor licence can sponsor an eligible occupation — the licence is not granted per occupation code. What you need to check is that the employer appears on the Home Office register with the Skilled Worker route and an A rating.

Search over 125,000 licensed sponsor records on the UK sponsor list, filter by town on sponsors by city, or check a specific employer in the A–Z company directory.

Related occupation codes

Other codes in the same managers, directors and senior officials group:

Source: GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes and eligible occupations tables, in force since 22 July 2025 and checked on 10 August 2026. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm the current position on GOV.UK before applying.