Do you want to help lead an organization that stands up for justice and security for Handels members every day? Is it important to you to make a difference for people in working life? We are now seeking a Chief of Staff who, with warmth, wisdom, and drive, wants to lead Handels into the future. As a leader, you have the tools to plan an organization that can function in a changing world, where you are the cohesive force through clarity, structure, and energy.
This is a permanent position located at Handels' national office in central Stockholm. Start date to be determined by agreement. Application deadline is November 30th, with selection and interviews conducted on an ongoing basis. Welcome to apply!
About the Position
As Chief of Staff, you will be a key person in Handels' management and the highest-ranking employee. You have overall responsibility for ensuring that the entire organization's operations are conducted according to decisions, policies, and values, and that all actions lead towards shared goals: improving conditions for Handels members. You will lead Handels' management team, have personnel responsibility for unit managers and management assistant, and work to create a strong, collaborative, and inclusive culture within the organization. The role also involves being an important link between organizational leadership, employed management, and employees, representing Handels in internal and external contexts with commitment and clarity.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Develop and renew Handels' internal organization and working methods
• Create conditions for good collaboration between units at the national office and departments
• Lead and coordinate Handels' management team
• Ensure that approved activities are implemented, followed up, and developed
• Responsibility for bylaws and policy governance documents
• Prepare decision-making documentation for organizational leadership, board, and council
• Personnel and work environment responsibility for unit managers and management assistant, with delegated responsibility for all nationally employed staff
• Lead the crisis group and represent Handels in various forums
Who Are You?
To thrive and succeed in the role, we believe you have both experience and commitment to leading in a trade union organization. You have a natural understanding of how to create structure and stability, while also possessing the courage and curiosity to drive development when needed.
We are looking for someone who has:
• Education in management and organizational development, or equivalent trade union training
• Knowledge of leading work in a democratic, mission-driven organization
• Knowledge of target management, follow-up processes, and consultative work
• Experience working within the trade union movement, preferably Handels or another LO federation, and/or experience working in a political organization within the labor movement or other mission-driven organization at a central level
• Experience leading personnel in a management position
• Experience working closely with elected leadership
As a leader, you are confident and stable with high emotional intelligence. With integrity and ethical leadership, you stand firmly in your values, are transparent in your actions, and lead with respect for both the mission and the people around you. You have a strong ability to drive work forward with focus, structure, and perseverance. You do not lose direction when the pace is high or conditions change, but lead with calm and show adaptability even in complex situations. Your commitment is deeply value-driven – you are motivated by achieving results that make a real difference for Handels and the members we exist for.
About the Organization
Handels Trade Union is a successful trade union with approximately 150,000 members, the third-largest federation within LO. The majority of Handels members work in retail/wholesale, beauty industries, and within social movements. Our ambition is to become even stronger!
Handels Trade Union welcomes applicants regardless of disability, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion, or other belief.
At Handels, you become part of an organization with heart, history, and future faith. Here, committed people make a difference together every day. We offer a meaningful role where you can influence, develop, and lead in an environment characterized by solidarity, professionalism, and warmth.
Want to Know More?
Further information can be provided by Martin Nyberg,
[email protected]. Trade union questions will be answered by Christer Högberg,
[email protected].
The recruitment process is conducted in collaboration with Poolia, with recruitment consultant Eva Nilsson, phone 073 944 53 12.