Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU)

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has a National Strategy and Blueprint for Action with ambitious, high-impact, member-led campaigns at the centre.

The decisions that shape members’ lives are often made far away from the workplace. They are made in boardrooms, ministerial offices, procurement chains, government departments and industry forums.

This role exists to build and lead campaigns that shift power delivering fairer outcomes. This is work for people who are grounded in union values, helping build workers’ power.

We are looking for someone who can think strategically, work collaboratively and deliver the kind of campaigns that make justice more than an aspiration.

At the AMWU we know that collective power changes outcomes. Our members are the centre of our national campaigns for fair pay, skills and training, safety, future jobs, a just transition, and secure an affordable housing for all. At the AMWU the work is serious because the stakes are real.

We are looking for someone who understands that serious campaigns are built on facts, purpose, pressure, discipline and resilience – if this sounds like you, we invite you to be a part of Australian manufacturing history by applying below.

Our Organisation

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is a progressive trade Union dedicated to advancing the rights and wellbeing of manufacturing workers and their communities. AMWU members work in trades, manufacturing, production, technical and professional occupations.

The AMWU is built by workers, powered by solidarity, and driven by the belief that a fairer society is not only possible, it is worth organising and campaigning for. Our strong history is forged in the trust of our members, earned in the courage of our delegates and, built in our strategic campaigns that confront powerful employers and governments. 

The AMWU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people, women, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and LGBTIQ+ people.

About the Role

In this role, you will design, support or lead strategic national campaigns that influence federal legislation, national industry settings, national employer conduct and public decision making.

You will research workplace and industry issues, map and build campaigns that shift outcomes in the interest of members. You will focus on campaign design, strategic research, political and industry analysis, supply chain mapping, stakeholder engagement and campaign messaging.

We highly value experience in a union or membership-based organisation, but please apply if your experience has developed elsewhere and you’re able to demonstrate how your skills are transferable.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement national campaigns that align with AMWU objectives. 
• Lead campaign projects from planning through to delivery and evaluation. Mapping decision – makers, power relationships and influence pathways.
• Increase union membership in target sites/industries. Organise and mobilise members and delegates to actively participate in campaigns. 
• Researching national employers, industries, supply chains and federal policy settings.
• Identifying legislative, regulatory commercial and political leverage points, turning complex issues into clear campaign narratives and persuasive materials.
• Preparing campaign briefs, issue papers, stakeholder maps, employer profiles and strategic advice.
• Mentor organisers, workplace leaders and activists, supporting their development in campaign delivery. Deliver campaign messaging and content across a range of platforms. 
• Work in collaboration with legal, education, skills and training, communications, bargaining and leadership teams.
• Identifying campaign risks and supporting disciplined campaign decision-making. 
• Build and maintain alliances with other unions, ACTU, community and political partners. 
• Represent the union in public forums and alliances as required.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary at officer level 7 of our salary structure ($127,794.90)
• The opportunity to lead real change for working people
• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Opportunity to work with passionate advocates for workers’ rights
• Generous working conditions including:
  • Monthly RDO
  • Hybrid work from home / office model
  • 12.5% superannuation
  • 17.5% annual leave loading (pro rata basis)
  • Additional Christmas shutdown leave 

Selection Criteria

Essential – to be successful in this role:

• At least 5 years’ experience in union or movement campaigning.
• Strong political, policy or institutional judgement.
• Research, analysis and strategic intelligence capability.
• A track record of delivering campaigns that grow and mobilise membership.
• Power mapping and leverage analysis.
• Supply-chain, industry or systems thinking capability.
• Excellent written communication, ability to develop compelling campaign narratives.
• Stakeholder and relationship skills.
• Sound judgement, integrity and discretion.
• Strong strategic, communications, and organising skills.
• A commitment to union values, collective action, and social justice.

Desirable- highly regarded:

• Experience working in alliance campaigns
• Understanding of Australian political, legal and civil society contexts.
• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent practical experience in law, industrial relations, public policy, political science, communications, economics, social sciences, labour studies or related field.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria via the "Apply Now" button.

If you require a notice period, please advise the length of time required.

Please note that applications not addressing the selection criteria will not be considered.