In today’s interconnected world, companies are expanding their operations across borders. Both multinational and small companies have employees working, relocating, or traveling to multiple countries. Managing the logistics, compliance, and policies for employees abroad is complex and overwhelming. That’s where a global mobility specialist comes in.
Global mobility refers to the policies, processes, and practices companies use to manage their international workforce. The industry includes securing visas and work permits, ensuring revenue and tax compliance, providing cultural training, and offering employee benefits. Effective global mobility manages employee relocation and travel and keeps the company compliant with local laws and regulations.
There are different types of global mobility specialists, each with a unique relocation or staffing role. Depending on your company’s needs, hiring the right global mobility expert is essential for success.
What is a Global Mobility Specialist & Consultant?
A Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) is a professional with expertise in managing employee international mobility. This role handles all logistics and compliance requirements—such as immigration, compensation, tax laws, relocation services, and cultural training.
Professionals undergo specific training and certification to demonstrate their expertise in this field and become GMS-certified. Certification from WERC® (Worldwide Employee Relocation Council®) is one of the most recognized credentials for professionals in global mobility.
What is a Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) Certification?
As the leading organization that supports the business and professionals that manage employee relocation, WERC® grants the Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) certification. WERC® offers education, networking, and resources to navigate the complexities of global mobility. The association includes human resources, real estate, immigration, tax, moving services, travel services, and intercultural management skills.
The GMS certification is globally recognized. It was introduced in 2004 to focus on foundational global mobility principles. In 2013, WERC® added the Strategic Talent Mobility course, which created the GMS-T designation. GMS-T emphasizes the integration of talent mobility into broader talent management strategies. In 2021, WERC® combined the two programs. GMS candidates now earn the GMS-T certification upon completion.
To obtain the GMS certification, candidates must complete three online modules over three years and pass a comprehensive exam. For the GMS-T certification, candidates must complete six online modules and pass a 100-question final exam with a score of at least 70%.
This global mobility certification equips professionals with the knowledge to handle international relocation challenges. A certified mobility specialist is well-versed in global relocation policy, tax and legal requirements, international compensation and benefits, and the cross-cultural challenges employees may face during a global mobility assignment.
By earning a global mobility specialist certification, professionals demonstrate their expertise and ability to manage the intricacies of international moving, keeping businesses compliant and supporting employees working abroad.
What Does a Global Mobility Specialist Do?
A global mobility specialist’s role varies by position within the corporate structure.
Relocation Management Company Global Mobility Consultants
Global mobility specialists who work for a Relocation Management Company (RMC) usually serve as relocation consultants. It’s a global mobility consultant’s responsibility to coordinate relocation services and manage logistics.
A company’s HR department hires a corporate relocation consultant to oversee the entire process. The global mobility consultant will manage relocation vendors, facilitate services like housing, immigration, and transportation, and ensure adherence to the company’s relocation policies and budget.
In addition to these responsibilities, a global mobility consultant helps employees understand their relocation benefits and acts as an advocate between the employee and service providers. The global mobility consultant constantly communicates with the transferee, addresses issues, and ensures the move stays on schedule and within budget.
By managing the details of the relocation process, global mobility consultants enable employees to focus on settling into their new roles. The employers benefit from the consultant’s expertise and can turn their focus from relocation minutiae to other human resources responsibilities.
Human Resources Global Mobility Managers
Global mobility specialists within a company’s HR department are often titled Global Mobility Manager or Director of Global Mobility. Internal global mobility specialists oversee employee relocation programs, staffing across locations, and employees’ movement between countries.
These professionals align the needs of employees abroad with the company’s broader financial and operational objectives. A key responsibility is managing relationships with external vendors such as Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) and other service providers.
Additionally, global mobility specialists oversee the global mobility budget. They keep expenses within set limits while providing quality support for employees. They also oversee compensation for employees relocating internationally, balancing company policy with the competitiveness in the local market.
Another critical aspect of a global mobility manager role is ensuring compliance with tax, labor, and immigration laws across different countries. Their expertise mitigates legal and financial risks while supporting employees’ success in their global mobility assignments.
Global Mobility Relocation Services Providers
Global mobility specialists working for relocation services providers offer specialized expertise in specific parts of the relocation process. These specialists may be in real estate, immigration law, corporate housing, cultural training, or moving services. These fields are all crucial for a successful international relocation.
For example, real estate specialists assist employees in finding suitable housing, while immigration lawyers help secure the necessary visas and work permits. Cultural trainers guide employees in adapting to their new environment’s social and cultural norms.
These global mobility specialists each contribute to the relocation’s comprehensive support. When each service succeeds, a global mobility relocation and assignment are smooth. A global mobility specialist’s value lies in their ability to provide targeted expertise in areas that require an in-depth understanding of their skills in the context of global mobility.
The Importance of Hiring a Certified Global Mobility Specialist (GMS)
As a company expands internationally, managing global mobility becomes increasingly complex.
To effectively handle global mobility challenges, employers must have global mobility specialists in-house, outsourced to a Relocation Management Company (RMC), or within their relocation service vendors. These global mobility specialists use their expert knowledge to ensure service quality.
Global mobility specialists play a crucial role in assisting employers throughout the relocation process. They mitigate the potential risks of relocating employees and protect the employer and the employee from unforeseen issues. These specialists use their expert guidance to help companies avoid costly mistakes that can arise during relocation, such as issues with visas, tax implications, or logistical challenges.
Additionally, global mobility specialists optimize relocation costs by analyzing various factors, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and implementing efficient processes. They ensure that the relocation adheres to the company’s established relocation policy, providing clarity and consistency for all employees involved.
Furthermore, they are vital in ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, which can often vary significantly from one location to another. This not only reduces the risk of legal issues but also enhances the overall experience for relocating employees, helping to facilitate a smooth transition to their new location.
When an employer hires or outsources to a WERC®-certified Global Mobility Specialist (GMS), they can be confident that the specialist has the skills and knowledge to achieve these goals.
Given the complexity of global mobility, having a dedicated specialist is invaluable for efficiently managing every aspect of a global workforce.
NRI Relocation: Certified Global Mobility Specialists
At NRI Relocation, we employ certified Global Mobility Specialists with the knowledge and experience to support your international employees throughout their relocation journey. Our certified global mobility consultants are ready to provide personal service for your business and employees.