Senior Section PA - National Office

Senior Section PA - National Office

Full-Time 42630 - 42630 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide top-notch secretarial and administrative support to the National Secretary and Section Team.
  • Company: Join GMB, one of the UK's largest trade unions, advocating for fairness and equality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and various employee assistance programmes.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a role that champions collective action and supports diverse communities.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, IT proficiency, and experience in HR administration are essential.

The predicted salary is between 42630 - 42630 £ per year.

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.

GMB are seeking applications from individuals for the position of Senior Section PA to be based at National Office. 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 Senior Section PA based in the GMB’s National Office. The successful post-holder will work as a member of the Section Team as Section Administrator/Senior PA, supporting the work carried out by the National Secretary and the rest of the Section Team, reporting to the National Secretary.

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 Senior Section PA, you will provide efficient and comprehensive secretarial, research and administration services for the National Secretary and other Section Team members, including all the tasks and duties performed by a Senior PA, including:

  • Taking dictation, either directly or over telephone, transcribing and typing out the results.
  • Setting up In Person and Teams meetings and conferences for National Committees, Sector Forums and Industrial meetings.
  • Attending meetings or recording on Teams to take minutes and transcribing verbatim minutes or meeting and action notes.
  • Organising papers and preparing documents for National Committees, National Conference, Sector Forum and other meetings.
  • Liaising with officers, staff, national office, regions and outside organisations often on issues of high importance and strictly confidential.
  • Organise, co-ordinate and manage the administration of large, complicated ballots, including industrial action ballots.
  • Ability to regularly work outside Core Hours.
  • Ability to work under pressure without immediate supervision and to organise own workload and work under own initiative.
  • Ability to exercise initiative in dealing with problems and identify solutions.
  • High levels of administrative and strong organisational skills.
  • High standards of IT skills in a wide variety of packages and applications.
  • The ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines, often under extreme pressure.
  • High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Discretion and ability to deal with matters confidentially.
  • Good knowledge of the Trade Union Movement.
  • Good understanding of wider industrial relations.
  • Good understanding of political structures.
  • Good knowledge of company structures.
  • 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.

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
  • 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.

Grade 6 (starting salary £42,630.36 per annum, plus London Weighting)

Senior Section PA - National Office employer: GMB Union

GMB is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at our National Office, where diversity is celebrated and valued. We provide comprehensive benefits such as a Final Salary Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for professional growth, all while championing the principles of fairness, equality, and solidarity that resonate deeply with our mission as a leading trade union. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our members and contribute to a strong campaigning organisation.

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Contact Details:

GMB Union Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Section PA - National Office

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at GMB Union!

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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at GMB Union.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Section PA - National Office

Secretarial Skills
Research Skills
Administration Skills
Minute Taking
Meeting Coordination
Confidentiality
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at GMB Union. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to GMB Union and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at GMB Union. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to GMB Union's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at GMB Union

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with GMB Union.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at GMB Union will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact GMB Union and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.