Function
People and Culture
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£45,233 - £49,619
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About the role
At the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), delivering world-leading, cutting-edge research depends on attracting and supporting exceptional global talent. As Immigration and Sponsorship Manager, you will play a key role in enabling this by ensuring international colleagues can join and work at NOC smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK immigration requirements.
Reporting to the Head of People Services within the People and Culture function, you will lead all aspects of immigration compliance and visa sponsorship. You will maintain NOC’s UKVI sponsor licence through strong governance, robust processes, and accurate record-keeping, ensuring the organisation operates confidently and compliantly.
You will oversee the end-to-end immigration journey, including visa applications, right-to-work checks, and ongoing sponsorship management, ensuring a consistent and positive experience. Acting as the subject matter expert, you will provide clear guidance to stakeholders, manage risk, and ensure audit readiness in a changing legislative environment. You will also drive continuous improvement in policies, processes, and systems, strengthening organisational capability in managing international talent.
Through this work, you will enable NOC to attract and retain the global expertise it relies on—supporting the continued delivery of innovative, world-leading science.
About you
You are an experienced and confident immigration professional, with a strong understanding of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements and a track record of managing sponsorship and compliance with accuracy and integrity. You bring a keen eye for detail and the ability to balance pace with precision in a complex, highly regulated environment.
You are motivated by being part of something bigger—excited by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation delivering work that makes a real difference. You are driven, proactive, and solutions-focused, always looking for opportunities to improve and add value.
You build strong, trusted relationships and communicate with clarity and confidence. You are able to translate complex legislation into practical, accessible guidance, helping others navigate challenges with ease.
Above all, you bring energy, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit. You take pride in the role you play in enabling talented people to thrive, knowing that your work helps bring together the expertise needed to deliver impactful, world-class research.
Why NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
- Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
- financial support for relocation
- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
Submitting an application
Please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 07955 851648.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.
Date advert posted: 30/07/2026
Closing date: 27/08/2026
