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 is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest trade unions: we’re proud to represent members from across the professional spectrum and put the needs of our members at the forefront of everything we do.
GMB Scotland is seeking a Policy & External Relations Officer to play a pivotal role in advancing our industrial and organising agendas through policy, political engagement, and external relations at the highest levels.
Are you passionate about shaping policy, driving change, and defending the interests of working people in Scotland? At GMB Scotland, you will be part of a movement that stands up for working people every day. This role offers a unique platform to make a tangible difference to the lives of our members while shaping GMB Scotland’s political and industrial agenda.
This is a key role at the heart of GMB Scotland’s political agenda. Working closely with the industrial team of Senior and Regional Organisers, activists and workplace representatives, you will:
1. Develop, communicate, and implement policies that strengthen collective bargaining and negotiations.
2. Engage daily with Scottish Government Ministers, senior civil servants, local authorities, and political stakeholders across the spectrum.
3. Shape and deliver GMB Scotland’s campaigning and communications objectives, ensuring our voice is credible, relevant, and impactful.
4. Lead political engagement, including convening our Scottish political committee, coordinating activities across constituencies, and representing GMB Scotland at Scottish Labour’s NEC.
5. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across our structures and membership.
6. Act as a trusted advocate for our members in public arenas – from parliamentary committees to national conferences.
What we’re looking for:
7. A strong track record in policy development, delivery, and political engagement, ideally in a trade union, political, or campaigning environment.
8. A deep understanding of Scottish politics, legislative processes, and how they intersect with workers’ rights, the economy, and industrial relations.
9. Excellent communication, networking, and advocacy skills, with the ability to build influence across political, media, and industrial landscapes.
10. A commitment to the values of the trade union movement, with the resilience to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
11. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, including attendance at political conferences and events.
Information about the role:
12. The successful post-holder will be expected to attend regional meetings/events potentially across Scotland.
13. The hours of work for this post are designated as ‘unspecified’, and there will be a requirement for the successful candidate to work unsocial hours, which may include some weekend or evening work, when required by the role.
In return, we offer excellent terms and benefits, including:
14. Final Salary Pension Scheme
15. Employee Assistance Programme
16. Childcare Assistance Programme
17. Season Ticket Loan
18. Cycle to Work Scheme
19. Generous holiday allowance
20. Eye Care claim back Scheme
21. Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
22. Annual Health Check
This a varied and interesting role; if you think you may be who were 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.
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.