Do you want to help lead an organization that stands up for justice and security for Handels members every day? Is it important for you to contribute to making a difference for people in the workplace? We are now looking for a Secretary General who, with warmth, wisdom, and drive, wants to lead Handels into the future. As a leader, you have the tools to plan an operation that can function in a changing environment, where you bring clarity, structure, and energy to unify the organization.
This is a permanent position based at Handels' headquarters in central Stockholm. The start date is negotiable. The application deadline is November 30, with selection and interviews taking place continuously. We welcome your application!
About the position
As Secretary General, you will be a key person in Handels' management and the highest-ranking employee. You will have overall responsibility for ensuring that the entire union's operations are conducted according to decisions, policies, and values, and that everything done leads towards common goals: improving conditions for Handels members. You will lead Handels' management team, have personnel responsibility for unit managers and the management assistant, and promote a strong, collaborative, and inclusive culture within the union. The role also entails being an important link between union management, employed leadership, and employees, representing Handels in internal and external contexts with engagement and clarity.
Your main responsibilities:
• Develop and renew Handels' internal organization and working methods
• Create conditions for good collaboration between units at the headquarters and departments
• Lead and coordinate Handels' management team
• Ensure that approved operations are implemented, followed up, and developed
• Responsible for the statutes and policy governing documents
• Prepare decision-making materials for union management, the union board, and the union council
• Personnel and work environment responsibility for unit managers and the management assistant, as well as delegated responsibility for all union employees
• Lead the crisis group and represent Handels in various forums
Who are you?
To thrive and succeed in this role, we believe you have both experience and commitment to lead in a union organization. You have a natural understanding of how to create structure and stability, but also the courage and curiosity to drive development when needed.
We are therefore looking for someone who has:
• Education in management and organizational development, or equivalent union training
• Knowledge to lead work in a democratic, idea-driven organization
• Knowledge of goal management, follow-up processes, and working consultatively
• Experience working within the trade union movement, preferably Handels or another LO union, and/or experience in a political organization within the labor movement or another idea-driven organization at a central level
• Experience in leading personnel in a managerial position
• Experience working closely with elected leadership
As a leader, you are secure and stable with high emotional intelligence. With integrity and ethical leadership, you stand firm 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 calmly and demonstrate adaptability even in complex situations. Your engagement is deeply value-driven – you are motivated by achieving results that make a real difference for Handels and for the members we serve.
About the organization
The Handelsanställdas förbund is a successful trade union with approximately 150,000 members, making it the third largest union within LO. The majority of Handels members work in retail/wholesale, the beauty industry, and within popular movements. Our ambition is to become even stronger!
The Handelsanställdas förbund welcomes applicants regardless of disability, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, as well as religion or other beliefs.
At Handels, you will be part of an organization with heart, history, and a belief in the future. Here, dedicated people work together every day to make a difference. We offer a meaningful role where you have the opportunity to influence, develop, and lead in an environment characterized by solidarity, professionalism, and warmth. Read more: https://www.handels.se/
Want to know more?
Further information can be obtained from Martin Nyberg,
[email protected]. Union-related questions can be answered by Christer Högberg,
[email protected].
The recruitment process is conducted in collaboration with Poolia, and the responsible recruitment consultant is Eva Nilsson, phone 073 944 53 12.