Director of Trade Union and Employment Relations

British Dietetic Association; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional association in Birmingham is recruiting a Director of Trade Union and Employment Relations. This dynamic role involves overseeing the Trade Union National Executive Committee, managing a team across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and representing the association to stakeholders. Candidates should have extensive experience in trade unions, a strong understanding of employment law, and excellent communication skills. This position offers a flexible working policy and generous benefits including a pension scheme.

Benefits

Pension Scheme (employer 12% contribution)

Flexible Working Policy

THRIVE Accreditation Staff Well-being Group

Parental Leave arrangements

'Cash Back' Healthcare and Healthcare Scheme

30 days Holidays per annum

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a trade union role or as an affiliate.
• High level of understanding of employment law.
• Experience leading teams and developing staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Trade Union National Executive Committee and its activities.
• Manage a team responsible for employment relations in multiple regions.
• Represent the BDA to various stakeholders including trade union officials.

Skills

Experience in trade union role

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of employment law

Strong leadership skills

Passion for worker rights

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Role Overview

The British Dietetic Association is recruiting for a Director of Trade Union and Employment Relations. This exciting, dynamic role involves travel throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to attend key trade union and aligned political events. The Director will report to the BDA's CEO. The holder will oversee the Trade Union National Executive Committee (TUNEC) Board, ensuring proper management and direction of the BDA Trade Union. 

The Director will also manage a team of staff who oversee employment relations for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and manage the dietetic trade union reps. They will represent the BDA to stakeholders: trade union officials, civil servants, employers and politicians. At times they may be required to deliver high‑profile presentations or speeches at events and sometimes organise BDA trade union events. 

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Trade Union National Executive Committee (TUNEC) Board and coordinate its activities.
• Manage a team of staff responsible for employment relations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Represent the BDA to trade union officials, civil servants, employers, and politicians.
• Deliver high‑profile presentations or speeches at events and organize BDA trade union events when required.
• Co‑ordinate the TUNEC Board and sit on the BDA Board as a non‑Executive Director.
• Collaborate with the BDA's CEO on strategic trade union and employment relations matters.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a trade union role (or affiliate).
• Degree or equivalent qualification and a high level of understanding of employment law.
• Experience leading others and developing their progress and knowledge base.
• Passion for supporting the rights of workers and good working knowledge of the NHS.
• Excellent communication skills, able to deliver compelling verbal presentations and produce concise, informative reports.
• Knowledge of good governance practices is advantageous.
• Must be willing to work from Birmingham 2 days a week and travel to Birmingham to manage a site‑based team.

About the BDA

The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is an award‑winning not‑for‑profit trade union based in Birmingham. Employing dedicated, dynamic and professional staff, we deliver services for more than 12,400 dietetic professionals worldwide. Founded in 1936, we represent the whole of the dietetic workforce – practitioners, researchers, educators, support workers and students – ensuring fair treatment, fair representation and equal opportunity for all members, and working to remove barriers to career progression.

Benefits

• Pension Scheme (employer 12% contribution)
• Flexible Working Policy
• THRIVE Accreditation Staff Well‑being Group
• Parental Leave arrangements
• 'Cash Back' Healthcare and Healthcare Scheme
• All positions subject to a 6‑month probationary period, statutory sick pay during this period
• Sickness Benefits – after successful probationary period
• Trade Union Recognition – GMB
• 30 days Holidays per annum (1 to be taken on the last working day before Christmas and 3 to be taken between Christmas and New Year, this is for full time, will be pro‑rated for part time employee)
• Staff Development opportunities