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 is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest trade unions: we’re proud to represent members from across the professional spectrum and put the needs of our members at the forefront of everything we do.

A vacancy has arisen for the position of Regional Secretary based to oversee the Union's operations in Scotland.

GMB Union is going through an exciting period of change as we move toward becoming the UK’s pre-eminent campaigning and organising union. GMB Scotland serves a diverse geographical area and a range of industrial sectors, making this is an opportunity to shape the direction and strategy of the progressive and vibrant nation of Scotland.

As Regional Secretary, you will lead from the front in developing GMB Scotland's membership, campaigning and organising agenda, promoting the union’s policies and objectives, and growing the reputation and public image of GMB across Scotland. As the most senior leader in the region, you will be the face of GMB externally and will be expected to manage high level stakeholder relationships on behalf of the Union in Scotland, with media, politicians and business leaders, and will therefore need to possess excellent inter-personal, relationship management and public speaking skills.

The post-holder will report directly to the General Secretary and will be accountable for a large remit: you will have oversight and responsibility for a large team of staff, responsibility for the business of Regional Council and Committee, oversight of the Region’s finances, policies, campaigns and communications, as well as the political activities of GMB Scotland.

In addition, you will be a member of the National Senior Management Team and will bear shared responsibility for helping to shape the policies, strategies and procedures of the union on a national level, ensuring through good leadership that those national strategic objectives are embedded in the work of the GMB Scotland through the delivery of effective campaigns and robust workforce planning.

Leading Culture, Growth and Impact

As Regional Secretary, you will provide strategic leadership to embed a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture across GMB Scotland, where you will shape the region's operational delivery and long-term positioning as a modern, values-driven trade union.

This role requires an individual who is both commercially astute and people-focused: able to galvanise colleagues, inspire confidence, and ensure that the Region is operated with integrity, fairness, and the highest professional standards. Most critically, you must be committed to fostering a progressive working culture, one that embraces diversity of thought, supports wellbeing, protects dignity at work, and reflects the lived experience of the members we serve.

Why This Role Matters

This is a defining leadership opportunity for someone committed to strengthening worker voice, shaping organisational change and stewarding a professional, ethical and people-centred culture. You will influence not just how we operate today, but how we evolve into a modern trade union that lives its values.

If you want to lead a region with purpose, modernise working practices, create an environment where people flourish, and deliver tangible outcomes for working people, we want to hear from you.

About You

The successful candidate will be someone who possess experience of working in a senior leadership role and will be able to demonstrate:

• a proven track record of people management and effective leadership of staff
• excellent communication and inter-personal skills
• have a proven recruitment and organisation record
• experience of budgetary and finance management
• be an engaging communicator able to negotiate, influence, persuade and inspire those around you
• be a confident decision-maker who can remain objective and fair-minded when under pressure
• be a visible, collaborative leader who sets direction and brings people with them
• be strategic in outlook, but practical and agile in delivering plans

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

Further Information

As you would expect with such a senior role, the hours of work for the role are unspecified and will necessarily entail an element of unsocial hours, including evening and weekend work. Periods of working away from home will also be required.

This role will be based at the Regional Office in Glasgow, and regular and frequent travel across GMB Scotland to satellite offices will be required more generally. Senior Management Team responsibilities will also require regular travel to London.

Interviews

• Interviews for successful applicants is anticipated to take place at GMB Scotland's Office in Glasgow. Dates are to be determined but are anticipated to take place in early July 2026.

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.