Regional Manager - North West

If you’re an experienced manager with the leadership skills, strategic thinking and commitment to make a real difference, this is an exciting opportunity to join us as a Regional Manager and play a key role in developing and delivering the work of the UK’s largest trade union.

UNISON is the public service union. We bring together the voices of over 1.3 million workers in local government, health, education and outsourced services. Our 1,200 staff work across 12 UK regions and our national centre in London. Regional offices support the work of local branches, helping to represent, recruit, organise and retain members – as well as making key contributions in areas such as campaigning, strategies for negotiation and bargaining, and actions against discrimination.

As a Regional Manager, you’ll be a senior member of the Regional Management Team, working closely with the Regional Secretary and senior lay members to help shape and deliver the region’s strategic and operational plans. You’ll lead and manage staff, including Regional Organisers, oversee resources and activities, and help ensure UNISON’s priorities are translated into effective action across the region.

You’ll play an important role in building UNISON’s public profile and external influence, developing local organisation and supporting effective campaigning. You’ll also have strategic responsibility for designated areas of work, helping to develop performance standards, monitor progress and ensure the region delivers effective services to branches and members.

What we’re looking for

• Experience of strategic planning and operational management, including developing plans, setting priorities and monitoring performance.
• Proven experience of managing and developing staff, including motivating teams, managing performance, handling complex staffing issues and leading change.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence people at all levels both internally and externally.
• Experience of negotiating at a high level and providing effective advocacy in complex and difficult situations.
• Experience of managing projects, budgets and resources, with the ability to analyse complex information and make effective decisions.
• Excellent presentation and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and respond effectively to the media.
• Experience of working effectively within a corporate management structure and in partnership with lay membership.
• A detailed knowledge of key areas of employment law and an in-depth understanding of the role of trade unions and the social and political environment in which they operate.
• Commitment to equality, democracy and UNISON’s aims and objectives.
• Knowledge of ICT packages, including Microsoft Office suite.

Please refer to the job description and person specification for full requirements for this role.

This is a field-based role and you will need to be able to travel in and around the Northern region, including to our regional offices as required – and occasionally to other regions of the UK for training, meetings or other purposes.

How to apply

To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the General application form, referring to the job description and person specification.

Please note that only the relevant application form will be accepted. CVs will not be accepted.

The completed application form, along with the Recruitment and Disability Monitoring Form, should be sent by email to hrrecruitment@unison.co.uk quoting reference: R6/6

Please save each of your documents to include your full name, followed by job title, region/dept and reference.

Completed application forms must be received by no later than 5pm Sunday, 25 October 2026.

In-person interviews will be held on Wednesday, 11 November 2026 in Manchester