The Head of Delivery to the General Secretary is a senior strategic and operational role at GMB, responsible for supporting delivery of the union's priorities and ensuring the effective functioning of the General Secretary's office.
Want to apply Read all the information about this position below, then hit the apply button.
Acting as a trusted support and adviser, the postholder will provide strategic oversight and coordinate the delivery of priorities agreed by the General Secretary, Senior Management Team and the union's democratic structures. Working across the organisation, the role will ensure that strategic objectives are translated into effective delivery, with key projects and initiatives delivered in a coordinated manner, on time and on budget.
The role also has oversight and management of operations within National Office, including line management responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Support & Delivery
Support the General Secretary in setting and implementing strategic priorities and policies across GMB
Ensure effective communication of the General Secretaries priorities (both industrial and political).
Lead and coordinate delivery of GMB's strategic priorities, including those agreed by the Senior Management Team and through the union's democratic structures and governance processes, working under the direction of the General Secretary to ensure organisational alignment, accountability and effective implementation
Oversee the translation of the General Secretary's strategic priorities into coherent organisational plans and delivery frameworks
Ensure that projects are delivered in a coherent way and within agreed budget parameters, providing effective oversight of significant organisational resources and helping to mitigate associated organisational, financial and reputational risks
Provide and coordinate high-quality advice, briefings, and analysis to inform decision-making
Monitor progress against key objectives and ensure follow-up on decisions and actions
Coordinate cross-departmental join-up in line with the General Secretarys priorities
Lead cross-union General Secretary projects and initiatives
Identify organisational challenges and drive practical solutions
General Secretarys Office Leadership
Oversee the effective running of the General Secretarys office, ensuring priorities are managed efficiently and professionally
Manage and coordinate the workflow and objectives of staff within the GS office. This will include direct line management and oversight responsibilities of a small team.
Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism
Ensure effective systems for correspondence, decision tracking, and internal coordination
Management responsibilities as required in National Office including authorising National Office expenditure such as facilities and union-wide training programmes.
Executive Support, Governance & Decision-Making
Exercise delegated authority from the General Secretary in relation to operational, organisational and strategic matters.
Coordinate agendas, papers, and reporting requirements for key meetings and governance processes
Prepare briefings, speeches, reports, and communications for the General Secretary
Ensure actions arising from meetings are tracked and delivered
Political & Stakeholder Engagement
Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal leadership, elected representatives, and external stakeholders including GMB President and Vice President
Liaise with government officials, Labour Party representatives, and the wider trade union movement on behalf of the General Secretary
Ensure the General Secretary is fully briefed and prepared for all engagements, including liaising with the GMB political teams. xiskglj
Support external positioning in partnership with communications and policy teams
Diary and Events
Support the General Secretary in overseeing Congress preparation, including speeches, briefings, and organisational arrangements
Coordinate the General Secretarys participation in:
Trade Union Congress (TUC)
Labour Party Conference
Ensure all logistics, documentation, and briefings are in place for major events
Support delegations and manage operational requirements during conferences
Operational Coordination & Organisational Support
Coordinate internal communication across departments and regions in line with GS priorities
Oversee budget management within the General Secretarys office
Manage expenses, financial approvals, and resource allocation in line with union policy
Oversee recruitment and development within the GS office
Member & Organisational Engagement
Oversee the response to member enquiries and complaints where escalated to the General Secretarys office
More broadly manage the General Secretarys member engagement and relations
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
Experience in a senior advisory, leadership, or project management/delivery-type role
In-depth knowledge of GMB rulebook; democracy; policies and procedures; and operations, including staff
Strong understanding of the trade union movement, industrial relations, and political context
Experience supporting senior leaders in a complex, member-led organisation
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
Strong analytical capability and ability to synthesise complex information
Exceptional written communication, including briefings and speechwriting
Experience managing teams, budgets, and organisational processes
An ability to work autonomously and make consequential decisions
Personal Attributes
Absolute discretion, integrity, and sound political judgment
Strong commitment to trade union values and social justice
Confident in advising and constructively challenging senior leaders
Resilient, adaptable, and able to operate in high-pressure environments
Highly collaborative, with strong relationship-building skills
Able to effectively communicate, in writing and in person, with a wide range of stakeholders
Proactive and solutions-focused
Ability to understand and maintain multiple projects at once including political, people and policy
Reporting & Relationships
Reports directly to the General Secretary
Works closely with:
Senior Management Team
National Office Teams
Regions
Senior Lay Activists
External political and industrial stakeholders
Additional Requirements
Flexibility to work outside normal hours, particularly during campaigns, disputes, and major conferences
Regular travel required, including attendance at Congress, TUC, Labour Party Conference, as well as accompanying the General Secretary on other visits where required.
