6 Month Contract With A local Authority
Role Purpose
To provide effective operational management of the Council’s cemetery and crematorium services, ensuring a safe, compassionate, and legislatively compliant service for the bereaved, residents, and visitors.
The post holder will be responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of burial and cremation facilities, maintaining high service standards at all times, maximising income opportunities, and ensuring the service is resilient, responsive, and customer-focused.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the day-to-day operational delivery of cemetery and crematorium services, ensuring a safe, compassionate, and legally compliant service.
* Directly manage operational staff and technicians, setting clear objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations.
* Ensure effective staffing arrangements, including flexible deployment, workforce planning, and appropriate use of contingent labour.
* Oversee burial space provision, cremation services, and weekend/faith-based services, maintaining high standards at all times.
* Work closely with the Bereavement Office to ensure seamless booking, scheduling, and customer experience.
* Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation, bereavement-specific regulations, and Council policies (including PUWER, LOLER, and HSAW).
* Manage service assets, plant, equipment, and grounds safely and efficiently.
* Monitor, analyse, and report operational performance, addressing shortfalls and driving continuous improvement.
* Maximise income generation through effective scheduling, service development, benchmarking, and commercial opportunities.
* Contribute to the development and delivery of the Council’s Bereavement Strategy.
* Maintain accurate statutory records and data reporting to relevant authorities.
* Manage budgets, procurement, and expenditure in line with corporate financial controls.
* Deputise for the Bereavement Manager as required.
* Maintain and implement Business Continuity Plans for cemetery and crematorium operations.
* Build strong working relationships with internal teams, contractors, stakeholders, service users, and community representatives.
Key Requirements
* Relevant bereavement services qualification or equivalent experience (e.g. ICCM).
* Degree-level qualification or professional membership (desirable).
* Proven experience managing front-line cemetery and crematorium or bereavement services.
* Experience delivering safe burial space and crematorium operations.
* Experience managing high-demand services (e.g. winter pressures or emergency situations).
* Experience leading teams against challenging performance targets.
* Experience of income generation, service optimisation, and commercial focus.
* Experience working within local authority or similarly regulated environments.
* Experience of procurement, asset management, and budget control.
* Strong knowledge of bereavement legislation, including burial law, cremation regulations, LACO, and reuse legislation.
* In-depth understanding of health and safety requirements within bereavement operations.
* Ability to manage operational risk effectively without being risk averse.
* Excellent people management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strong numeracy and IT skills, including Microsoft Office and bereavement-specific systems.
* Ability to interpret and deliver sensitive bereavement requests professionally and empathetically.
* Commercial awareness with the ability to identify and maximise income opportunities.
* Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive service delivery.
Additional Information
* Bi-Weekly Payments
* 36 Working Hours Per Week