Headcount, hiring & workforce planning · Core

Open position

Also called: vacancy, job opening

ELI5

An authorised role not currently filled.

Used in conversation

“The announcement should not get ahead of the agreed process for open position.”

Pitch context

You will see “Open position” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches headcount, hiring & workforce planning.

Why it matters: In headcount, hiring & workforce planning, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.

Caution

Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.

Sources & evidence · 2

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Supporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16