Director of Trade Union & Employment Relations

Job Title: Director of Trade Union & Employment Relations

Closing date for applications: 5 January 2026

Interview date: Friday 23 January 2026

Start date: when available

Salary Range: (£56,632 – £59,612 – £62,593)

About Us

We are the British Dietetic Association (BDA). We are an award-winning not-for-profit Trade Union, based in Birmingham, employing dedicated, dynamic, and professional staff who deliver services for our membership of more than 12,400 dietetic professionals. Founded in 1936, we are one of the oldest and most experienced dietetic organisations in the world. We represent the whole of the dietetic workforce – practitioners, researchers, educators, support workers and students. The BDA seeks to ensure the fair and equal treatment of all members, including fair representation and access to services and participation. We also promote the equality of opportunity for the dietetic profession and work to remove barriers to career progression.

More details about our organisation and our Trade Union can be found on our website (www.bda.uk.com).

Employment 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 6 months 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 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

About the Role

The British Dietetic Association is recruiting for a Director of Trade Union and Employment Relations. This dynamic role involves travel throughout the four nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) to attend key Trade Union and aligned Political Events. The Director will report to the BDA’s CEO and oversee the Trade Union National Executive Committee (TUNEC) Board. The role also manages a team of staff who oversee the Employment Relations (for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland) and manage the dietetic trade union representatives. The Director represents the BDA to stakeholders – TU officials, civil servants, employers and politicians – and may be required to give high‑profile presentations or speeches at events and organise BDA TU events.

About You

To be shortlisted you will need ≥ 5 years’ experience in a Trade Union role or affiliate, a degree, a high level of understanding of employment law, and experience of leading others and developing their progress and knowledge‑base. You should be passionate about supporting workers’ rights, have good working knowledge of the NHS, be an excellent communicator, able to deliver compelling verbal presentations and concise reports, and have good governance knowledge. The role will be based in Birmingham, requiring 2 days a week on site and willingness to travel in the city.

To Apply

Please apply via our Indeed advert, including a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you would be great in the role. Full role job description can be downloaded on our website (search for: British Dietetic Association, Director of Trade Union & Employment Relations).

For an informal chat with the CEO you may contact Joelle (j.otoole@bda.uk.com). Applications must be received by the end of Monday 5 January 2026. The first round of interviews will be conducted via a short Teams meeting, followed by an in‑person interview on Friday 23 January 2026 at our Birmingham office (B3 2TA). Please ensure availability to travel on this date.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Industries

Public Policy Offices