Head of Operations

Overview

Trade Union RCN Bolton Office with hybrid working £79,482

Contract type: Permanent

Head of Operations, RCN England, North West Region - Bolton Office with hybrid working, 35 hours, Permanent

About us

There is more to the RCN than you might think. We're a trade union with a membership of over half a million nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students. We support their practice, represent them, lobby on their behalf, and develop them. We exist to make a positive difference - to the working lives of our members and ultimately to standards in patient care. We couldn't do what we do without our people.

We're accredited with Investors in People Silver Standard. Our people are our greatest asset, and we want people who can contribute to our purpose in line with our values.

Role summary

As our Head of Operations for our North West Regional team, you'll use your enthusiasm, positive thinking, and your management skills to support our local team. You will promote integrated working between the professional and trade union elements of RCN work and liaising and working with other RCN staff and departments as appropriate. You will be a key member of the regional management team responsible for the overall service delivery of the region and for ensuring the effective provision of advice, support and representation to RCN members. You'll role model RCN values and ensure the region works to challenge discrimination in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Line management of Senior RCN Officers and oversight of the work and development for RCN reps and activists in the region.
• Lead on member and activist recruitment and retention within the regional team.
• Support development of the team and identify innovative approaches to grow the membership.
• Foster strong professional relationships and collaboration between departments.
• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion and uphold employment practices, equality and human rights standards.
• Ensure high-quality service delivery and timely advice and representation to members.

Requirements and qualities

• Knowledge of contemporary nursing, health and social care issues.
• Knowledge of best practice in relation to employment practices, equality and diversity, human rights and equal opportunities.
• Ability to foster strong professional relationships and collaborate across departments.
• A commitment to trade union values and promoting worker rights.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

What we offer

We offer an impressive range of benefits, learning and development opportunities, and a health and wellbeing programme. Annual leave up to 32 days plus bank holidays, three additional days for Christmas, and generous maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave packages. We offer a competitive pay structure with annual pay progression to the top of the salary scale. New employees are normally offered the first point of the salary range, with potential for a higher starting salary based on skills and experience. We support flexible working and a hybrid model that allows up to 60% of working time to be from home, with at least 40% in person.

Selection process

Please click the 'apply now' button to submit a CV and answer the supporting questions online, demonstrating how you meet the criteria for this role. Your CV should be in a simple format with minimal tables and sections. Any identifying information will be anonymised for shortlisting purposes. Interviews may be in person or via video call. If you foresee any problems, please let us know.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equity, diversity and inclusion are a priority for us. We aim to foster an inclusive environment so our people can bring their authentic selves to work. This is integral to enabling you to support our members and ensure their voice is heard by UK governments to get the best outcomes for them and their patients. We are Disability Confident and actively encourage applications from people with disabilities.

Other information

Contact details: For more information or an informal discussion about the role please contact Sarah Hardman, PA to Simon Browes, Regional Director, on or email . For information about recruitment and selection please contact .

Opening date: 5 September 2025

Closing date: 11.59pm on 5 October 2025

If we receive many applications after a week of advertising, we may close this vacancy earlier. Selection dates: Assessment Centre for shortlisted candidates ( Bolton ) - 24 October 2025; Interviews for candidates successful at Assessment - 7 November 2025.