logologoHunt UK Visa Sponsors
JobsSponsor register
/
logologoHunt UK Visa Sponsors

A licence means a company can sponsor. We show you who actually does: visas issued, job openings and any red flags.

Prefer us on Google

Jobs

UK Jobs with Visa SponsorshipJobs by RoleCouncil JobsInternshipsInternational Student

Sponsors

Register of Licensed SponsorsSponsors by IndustrySponsors by LocationRecently Funded SponsorsTrending SponsorsSponsor Licence CheckerSponsor Statistics

Learn

Visa TypesOccupation EligibilityUniversity Graduate OutcomesInternational Student StatisticsNew Entrant Salary ThresholdSponsorship by NationalityYouth Mobility SchemeGlossaryBlog

Tools

All Tools & CalculatorsIncome Tax CalculatorUK vs Home CalculatorILR TrackerGraduate Visa PlannerHPI University CheckerDeveloper API & MCP
© 2026 Hunt UK Visa Sponsors|General information only, not legal advice. Always consult a regulated UK immigration solicitor.Legal & data
Not legal advice

Content on this site is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a regulated UK immigration solicitor for advice specific to your situation.

Public sector information

Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

University figures

HESA/Jisc, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Sponsor map coordinates

Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2025 · Contains Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database right 2025 · Contains GeoPlace data © Local Government Information House Limited copyright and database right 2025 · Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

NI town centroids

GeoNames, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

How does it workContact Us

Sponsor intelligence

About the role

  1. Home
  2. Jobs
  3. Pilgrim's Europe
  4. Director of Research & Development, Director of Research & Development
Pilgrim's Europe

Director of Research & Development, Director of Research & Development

Pilgrim's EuropeCraigavon, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Added 23 Aug · still live

Not disclosed

Salary

Not disclosed by employer

113965% match

SOC code · predicted

Functional managers and directors n.e.c.

£74,700

Going rate

Skilled Worker going rate

This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa

Our predicted code SOC 1139 (65% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £74,700, and Pilgrim's Europe is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the published rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.

Sponsor intelligence

Full profile
Licence statusActive

Strategic tip: apply early

Sponsored roles fill quickly, and the ones that name a salary go quickest. If this one looks right, apply in the first few days rather than saving it for the weekend.

Watch this company

We'll email you when Pilgrim's Europe posts another sponsored role, whatever the job title.

About the role

Director of R&D

Department: Research & Development

Location: Craigavon, Fulltime onsite

NB: We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role

We’re looking for an experienced Director of R&D to lead scientific research, innovation and sustainability initiatives across Pilgrim’s Europe.

What You’ll Do

  • Develop and deliver the R&D strategy aligned to business objectives
  • Lead applied research programmes across multiple species and operations
  • Build partnerships with universities, research bodies and industry partners
  • Oversee PhD programmes and externally funded research projects
  • Support innovation in animal production, processing and sustainability
  • Manage the R&D budget and research facilities
  • Provide scientific leadership to customers, industry groups and policymakers
  • Build and develop a high‑performing R&D team

What You’ll Bring

  • Degree in a relevant scientific discipline (Agriculture, Animal Science, Food Science, Biology or similar)
  • PhD or equivalent advanced research background
  • Significant experience in agri‑food research and innovation leadership
  • Experience managing research programmes, budgets and technical teams

Desirable

  • Experience securing and managing funded research programmes
  • Knowledge of carbon accounting, environmental sustainability and nutrient management

Ready to apply? This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa.

This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Pilgrim's Europe, so check their own site for the current details.

Where this offer sits in the market

SOC 1139 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~128k in sample
P25 £57kP75 £104k
SOC 1139
£44kmedian £80kgoing rate £75k£129k

Similar sponsored roles

See all jobs

No close matches live right now.

Browse more sponsored jobs at Pilgrim's Europe

About sponsorship for this role

Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?

Not necessarily. Pilgrim's Europe holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.

What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?

The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 1139 going rate of £74,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.