GMB Southern Region is currently seeking applications for the role of Regional Secretary. 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 in the South of England.

GMB Union is going through an exciting period of change as we move toward becoming the UK’s pre-eminent campaigning and organising union. Southern Region serves a diverse geographical area: from the South of Greater London in the East to Dorset in the West and Isle of Wight in the South, this is an opportunity to shape the direction and strategy of a progressive and vibrant region.

As Regional Secretary, you will lead from the front in developing the Region’s membership, campaigning and organising agenda, promoting the union’s policies and objectives, and growing the reputation and public image of GMB in the Region. 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 the region, 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 the Region.

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 Region 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 the Region, 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
• Relocation Support - this will include a relocation allowance of up to £8,000 for those moving over 50 miles from the Chessington office, as well as temporary accommodation or commuting support for the first three months
• Hybrid Working - Reasonable flexibility will be supported for partial remote working during the transition period in the first three months
• Family Support - this will include relocation advice, school search assistance, and short-term accommodation options where required.

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 Chessington, and regular and frequent travel across the Region to satellite offices will be required more generally. Senior Management Team responsibilities will also require regular travel to London.

A structured induction programme will be implemented for the successful candidate, covering Finance & Budgetary Management; Equality, Governance, Regional Operations and National Policy. Peer to Peer mentoring from another Regional Secretary will also be offered for the first six months in post.

Interviews

• Interviews for successful applicants is anticipated to take place at GMB’s Southern Regional Office in Chessington. Dates are to be determined but are anticipated to take place in the week commencing 26th January 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.