At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the West Midlands team and implement strategic planning for The Union.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation representing over 120,000 members across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE level education and experience in trade unions or not-for-profits required.
The Union have a new opportunity for Regional Official – West Midlands to join the team!
Reference Number: RO1
Salary: £72,414.00 p.a.
Hours: 35 per week
Contract: Permanent and full time
Location: Birmingham, B3
Closing Date: Wednesday 10 June at 10.00 am
About Us: The Union represents over 120,000 academics, lecturers, trainers, instructors, researchers, managers, administrators, computer staff, librarians and postgraduates in universities, colleges, prisons, adult education and training organisations across the UK. We also have members in the private sector, for example in private training agencies and language schools, as well as members working on a freelance basis. Students training to teach in post-school education also belong to The Union.
Regional Official – About the role: The Union is seeking a Regional Official to lead our West Midlands regional team. In this rewarding role, based in our Birmingham office and reporting to the Head of Bargaining & Representation, your main duties will include:
- Implementation of national and regional strategic planning in the region
- Line management of the regional office staff, including appraisal and development
- Implementation of national agreements, national benchmarks and other nationally agreed bargaining objectives at branch level
- Conducting and supporting negotiations with employing institutions in accordance with nationally, regionally, and locally agreed bargaining objectives
- Securing and maintaining recognition of The Union in the region
Regional Official – You:
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent (incl. maths & English)
- Experience of a similar working environment and/or understanding of working for a Trade Union or other not-for-profit organisation
- Experience of managing a team of staff
- Experience of collective bargaining with employers
- Experience of representing individuals in disciplinary and grievances cases
- Experience of trade union organising
- Experience of effective planning and organising under pressure
Regional Official – Benefits: We offer a number of financial and welfare benefits to support our employees, highlights include:
- Supportive Family Policies: Embrace family life with enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave schemes
- Health and Well-being Support: Access to confidential counselling 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme; advice and face-to-face intervention from via our Physiotherapy Advice Line; healthcare assessment
- Flexible Working: Take advantage of our Flexitime scheme, allowing you to tailor your work hours within our Work Life Balance policy
- Financial Assistance: Benefit from being enrolled in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), childcare support, interest-free season ticket loans, and assistance with the cost of eyesight testing and glasses for DSE use
- Training and Development: Elevate your skills with tailored training, developmental support, and access to live and on demand courses available through our online training platform
Note: working arrangements The Union requires its employees to work from their office/in the field for at least 60% of their working week. They may apply to work from home for the remaining 40% but The Union cannot guarantee that this will be agreed.
Further information: We welcome applications from any candidate but are particularly keen to receive applications from women and global majority candidates, who are currently underrepresented at this grade in The Union; if this is you and you are interested in the post, we invite you to join an online briefing, on Wednesday 3 June from 1pm. If you’d like to attend the briefing, please refer to our website for details of how to apply.
Diversity & Inclusion Monitoring: We need your support to make sure our employees come from a variety of backgrounds, so we especially welcome applications from disadvantaged communities.
Equal Opportunities: The Union is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. We are happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in our standard form.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 10am.
Interview date: Thursday 16 July 2026
To submit your application for this exciting Regional Official opportunity, please click ‘Apply’!
Regional Official employer: Hiring Wizard
The Union is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees in Birmingham can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Official
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of The Union on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching The Union's recent initiatives and challenges. This shows us that we're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our negotiation skills! Since the role involves collective bargaining, we should be ready to discuss our approach to negotiations during the interview. Role-play with a friend to boost our confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep an eye on any updates or additional opportunities that pop up.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Official
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Regional Official. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous experience in trade unions or not-for-profit organisations. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission and values, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications are easy to spot!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hiring Wizard
✨Know Your Union Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand The Union's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals in the West Midlands and how your experience aligns with their objectives. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your experience in collective bargaining and team management. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully navigated negotiations or led a team under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Regional Official, you'll be managing a team. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and develop staff. Think of instances where you've implemented training or support for your team, and be prepared to share these stories during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the challenges the West Midlands team is currently facing or how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
