Immigration Specialist

Salary
: £45,974

Work Type
:
Hybrid

Job Location
:
Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

Role Type
:
Permanent

Employment Type
:
Full Time

Working Hours
: 37.0 Hours per Week

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
• My Gym Discounts  – gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• Share Buy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

United Utilities is seeking a dedicated and detail‑oriented In-House Immigration Specialist to join its HR function. This role will sit within the Talent Acquisition and wider People team and is a unique opportunity for an immigration specialist to manage and enhance the internal UK immigration program from within the business.

As the organisation continues to expand, you will serve as the subject matter expert and primary point of contact for all immigration‑related matters. You will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and delivering a smooth and efficient visa process for new and existing employees.

• Advise internal stakeholders on UK immigration law and policy, including updates to legislation or process.
• Manage the end‑to‑end Skilled Worker visa process, including application strategy, documentation, and submission.
• Serve as a Level 1 User on the UK Sponsor Management System (SMS), ensuring licence compliance and preparing for Home Office audits.
• Act as the lead contact for all internal immigration queries, providing clear and accurate guidance to HR, hiring managers, and employees.
• Manage Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocation and renewals, ensuring accurate tracking and planning.
• Monitor and maintain internal immigration processes to ensure compliance, efficiency, and a positive employee experience.
• Keep thorough, auditable records as per home office requirements.
• Prepare for and support United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) compliance visits, internal audits, and respond to requests for information.
• Mitigate risk by identifying and escalating potential non‑compliance issues proactively.
• Educate and train stakeholders on immigration best practices, timelines, and compliance responsibilities.
• Keep up to date with changes in UK immigration law and assess their impact on internal policies.
• Recommend and implement improvements to the sponsorship and compliance process.
• Support internal reporting requirements and contribute to data‑led immigration strategy development.
• Remain up to date with all relevant immigration law changes, proactively identifying risks or opportunities to improve internal practices.

• Previous experience of working in UK corporate immigration, ideally from a law firm, professional services firm, or in‑house.
• Proven experience with Skilled Worker visa applications, sponsor licence management, and SMS usage.
• Strong understanding of UKVI sponsor duties and compliance obligations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to advise and influence a range of stakeholders across different levels.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

• A strong academic background (minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent experience) is desirable

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.