Applications are encouraged from people who are under-represented in the union. We actively encourage Women, Ethnically Diverse/Global Majority Heritage, Disabled and LGBT+ people to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION

GMB's National Office are seeking applications from individuals for the position of Head of People on a fixed-term contract of 24 months.

GMB is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest general trade unions: we’re proud to represent over half a million members from across the professional spectrum and all walks of life. We are proud of our strong values of fairness, equality, solidarity, and collective action.

We are currently seeking a Head of People to join our national team based at GMB's head office in London. 

This is a great opportunity to shape the new direction of the department and help shape the future of the union.  We are seeking a knowledgeable, driven and committed individual to provide a professional people management service for the whole of GMB that will meet the operating needs of the Union’s management and staff.

Reporting to the Legal Director, this is a strategic and dynamic role linked to the implementation and delivery of core objectives and initiatives across the organisation, geared towards cultural change with an emphasis on growing the union around a strategy of “making work better”.

The role will lead on developing and implementing the union’s workforce strategy and action plans for a variety of employment matters linked to the continuous improvement of the delivery of people-centred services including: organisation design, continuous improvement of our structures and policies, people and performance management, complex employee and industrial relations and a comprehensive programme of employment training/ learning and development. 

It’s our people and culture that define us, and the successful post-holder will help lead GMB through a period of cultural change that will ensure we are a workplace fit for a modern workforce.

Other key responsibilities for the role will include:

• To structure and manage the Union’s People management training and related functions and make sure these functions are adequately resourced and support the aims and objectives of the organisation
• Protecting the Union against litigation by providing specialist knowledge and advice on legal proceedings against the union and to define a strategic defence, recommending or approving settlement of disputes where warranted on the Union’s behalf
• Assume ultimate responsibility with the Legal Director and Senior Management Team for ensuring that the Union conducts its business in compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations in our various jurisdictions (e.g., England & Wales; Scotland)
• Responsible for contributing to broader strategy across the whole of the organisation, in line with Union initiatives
• To work closely with the Legal Director and wider Senior Management Team advising on all people matters, including as required, on current and potential future organisation design as the needs and focus of the Union evolve and change
• Develop, implement and continuously review HR policies and procedures that will be progressive and appropriate to the needs of the Union, acting as key custodian to these

You’ll need to possess:

• A key understanding of and affinity for trade union values as something you live in your professional practice
• A comprehensive understanding of successful operating models for the HR/People function within a trade union context
• A proven track record of thorough and in-depth knowledge of industrial relations, employment law and practical experience of negotiating and consulting with employee representatives and external union officials
• Demonstrable experience of financial planning and budgetary management
• A proven record of successfully handling negotiating and consultative meetings and drafting jointly agreed agreements
• Proven experience of drafting HR policies and procedures and their dissemination, as this will be a key part of the role
• Demonstrable experience of successfully supporting a change management process and assisting management to achieve a cultural change process.

This is a varied and challenging role; if you think you may be who we're looking for and if you feel you meet the criteria outlined in the job description, we’d like to hear from you.

Information about the role

• The successful post-holder will be expected to attend regional or national meetings/events so must be willing to travel as part of the role.
• The hours of work for this post are designated as ‘unspecified’, and there will therefore be a requirement to work unsocial hours, including weekend or evening work, when required by the role.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of our membership and who share our commitment to advancing workers’ rights.

In return, we offer excellent terms and benefits, including:

• Final Salary Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Childcare Assistance Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Generous holiday allowance
• Eye Care claim back Scheme
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
• Annual Health Check

This is a varied and challenging role; if you think you may be who we're looking for and if you feel you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification in the job description, we’d like to hear from you.

Please note:

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so please ensure you have completed all sections of the application form (including referee details) and submitted no later than the specified deadline.