This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated Cemeteries Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality burial services across a diverse London borough. Reporting to the Head of Registration and Bereavement Services, you will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cemetery operations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and maintaining high standards of grounds maintenance, health and safety, and customer care. The role requires strong operational leadership, sound professional judgement, and a commitment to delivering sensitive, responsive services to residents at difficult times. You will directly manage a multi‑disciplinary team including cemetery operatives, trainees, administrators and grounds staff, driving performance, productivity and continuous improvement. Working collaboratively across council services and with external partners, you will play a key role in service development, contract management, and ensuring our cemeteries remain safe, well‑maintained and culturally responsive. This is a hands‑on leadership role in a complex and high‑profile service area.
This post is offered as an 8‑month fixed‑term maternity cover with the possibility of extension, and we are seeking a candidate who can start as soon as possible. We welcome applications from individuals with significant experience in cemetery operations and grounds maintenance within a local authority or similar setting. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed. The successful candidate should have evidence of significant, relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Qualifications and experience:
* Expert knowledge of the law, rules and regulations relating to burials, cemetery operations and memorial safety.
* Knowledge of best practice in HR and financial management.
* In‑depth knowledge of procurement rules, including EU requirements within a local authority setting.
* Knowledge of business planning and operating in a commercial environment.
* Experience of leading innovation and change, including service transformation through system change, promoting change in individual and community behaviour, and use of evidence (e.g. through research and consultation) to guide service development.
* Delivering customer‑focused services and service improvements while managing demands and pressures on the service and tight deadlines.
* Detailed understanding of the different cultural and religious requirements related to burial, cremation and memorial arrangements.
* Experience of working with Microsoft Office suite of IT packages, including spreadsheets and cemetery software systems.
* Experience managing remote teams, external contractors and agencies, and an understanding of the relevant roles and responsibilities.
* Knowledge and experience of financial forecasting, capital and revenue budget management and financial planning.
Why join us?
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you'll benefit from:
* Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays
* Excellent pension with generous employer contributions
* Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
* Supportive family‑friendly policies for parent, guardians and carers
* Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye‑test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
* Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans and season‑ticket loans
* Travel perks, including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme and great onsite facilities
* Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
* Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment
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