Applications are encouraged from people who are under-represented in the union. We actively encourage women, Black and Asian Ethnic minority/Global Majority Heritage, disabled and LGBT+ people to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION

GMB Southern Region are seeking applications from individuals for the position of PA to the Regional Secretary & Office Manager.

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.

A vacancy has arisen for the position of PA to the Regional Secretary & Office Manager based in the GMB’s Southern Region. The successful post-holder will lead on supporting the operations of the Region by providing a full and comprehensive personal assistant support service to the Regional Secretary. The role will be based at our Chessington office, but the successful candidate should be aware that, as Office Manager, there may be some requirement to work from any location within the Southern Region. 

As you would expect, we welcome candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of the role but who also identify with and are motivated by our values of fairness, equality, solidarity, and collective action. Our union is a strong campaigning industrial organisation. As PA to the Regional Secretary, you will support the Regional Secretary in promoting the union’s policies, objectives and industrial agenda by delivering a wide ranging support to the Regional Secretary and Regional Management Team, including:

• Extensive diary management, including arrangements for meetings, correspondence, and handling communications with sensitivity and confidentiality;
• Providing comprehensive secretarial and administrative support;
• Assuming primary responsibility for all organising administrative support for the regional delegation to GMB’s Annual Congress, Regional Council and the Regional Committee;
• Being responsible for decision making on HR related issues in the regional secretary’s absence;
• Handle membership, branch, and political liaison matters in line with GMB policies, to name but a few.

Desirable Attributes:

• Familiarity with trade union structures and procedures.
• HR administration experience, including People HR or equivalent systems.
• demonstrable experience of arranging, running and supporting large-scale events

You’ll need to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a senior PA, office management, or secretarial/ administrative background to equivalent work experience, at a senior management level;
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise complex and competing demands;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to demonstrate discretion, tact, and diplomacy;
• Experience of stakeholder management and above all, be a people person.

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.