Closing date: Friday 3 October 2025
About the Role
▪ The Regional Organising Director (ROD) is responsible for the daily management of the union within the Central Region. This includes overseeing the organising and administrative workof any paid officials (excluding those on honorarium) assigned to them. The ROD reports directly to the General Secretary and executes all lawful and reasonable instructions fromthe General Secretary, National Leadership Committee (NLC) and the National Executive.
▪ This is a full-time, Wellington-based role and a member of the Union’s National Leadership Committee.
As a key leader in the organisation, the Regional Organising Director
▪ Reports to the General Secretary and is accountable to the Deputy Secretaries for their sectors and operational responsibilities.
▪ Works jointly with the Deputy Secretaries and National Organisers to develop overarching strategies and tactics for effective organising, bargaining and campaigns for specific sectors. Ensures that they are executed in accordance with the Union’s strategic and operational plans.
▪ Interacts regularly with organisers, administrators, and members of the Union to perform the tasks at hand.
▪ Must have the ability to prioritise and have a “big picture” view of the Union and the external environment in which it operates.
▪ Must be the union educator for their region.
Responsibilities
▪ Consistently demonstrating and promoting the Union’s vision and values in daily actions and decisions, both within and outside the workplace.
▪ Recruitment and appointment of union organisers.
▪ Developing organisers and staff members to help them reach their full potential by providing opportunities for growth, clear communication, and a supportive work environment through mentorship, one-on-one meetings, and focusing on both individual and team development.
▪ Actively demonstrates and shares organisational skills and knowledge with both individualand wider regional teams.
▪ Collectively work with the team to set and achieve the goals and objectives outlined in theUnion’s national and regional plans.
▪ Assigning tasks to regional team members to achieve desired outcomes.
▪ Cultivating a culture of accountability where every team member is empowered and unitedin driving the success of the Union’s work plan.
▪ Managing day-to-day operations of team members’ work, including approving leave.
▪ Developing, evaluating, and reporting on outcomes in relation to established plans.
▪ Identifying strategic opportunities and collaborating with the General Secretary and DeputySecretaries to implement strategic and annual plans.
▪ Ensure that the Union’s strategic priorities are clearly communicated and effectively implemented within the team to achieve the Union’s objectives.
▪ Maintaining accurate records related to the team’s work.
▪ Overseeing staff health and safety as required by the General Secretary.
▪ Takes accountability for own actions and self-development
▪ Performing additional duties that are not explicitly outlined in the position description but are within the capability, skills, and experience generally expected of someone in this role.
Qualifications and Experience
▪ Must have at least five (5) years’ New Zealand experience in a Union organising role. Workers First may recognise overseas experience that is comparable to New Zealand job descriptions of a union organiser.
▪ Ability to lead, recruit, and support union organisers, delegates and members.
▪ Experience in bargaining collective agreements.
▪ Understanding of industrial law (i.e. Employment Relations Act 2000, Holidays Act, Health &Safety at Work, Wages Protection Act)
▪ Confidence and capability, making sound decisions on complex organising issues under time pressures.
▪ Great organisational skills with a high degree of initiative and drive, excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.
▪ A can-do attitude and an alignment with Union’s values, including a commitment to collaboration and supporting our diverse communities.
▪ Have good IT skills and experience using Microsoft 365
▪ Good communication skills, written and oral.
▪ Knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements.
▪ Flexible and adaptable to meet the differing demands as they arise.
▪ Knowledge of and willingness to demonstrate the Union’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
▪ Current New Zealand driver’s license.
Preferred Experience and Skills
▪ Experience in a growth and organising role.
▪ Experience working with a team to achieve outcomes and managing team conflicting priorities.
▪ Experience organising and/or campaigning and/or advocacy.
▪ Experience in planning, managing staff and maintaining accountability systems.
▪ Expert knowledge in at least one of the Union sectors: retail, finance, transport, wood,textile & clothing, logistics and manufacturing.
Salary
▪ From $119,000 to $124,000
Application
▪ If you are interested in applying for the Regional Organising Director role, please send your CV and cover letter to Jo Wilson at jo.wilson@workersfirst.nz▪The last day of application is 3 October 2025.
Contact person: Jo Wilson