Job Description
Position: Funeral Operations Branch ManagerLocation: John Pagan & Son Funeral Directors, DumfriesJob Type: Full-time, permanentSalary: £34,342.15 per annumLead operations. Lead people. Lead with care.We are seeking a compassionate and operationally strong Funeral Operations Branch Manager to lead our branch in Larkhall.Internally, this role carries the contractual title of Senior Funeral Director, reflecting its senior leadership position within our funerals business.This is a role for someone who can combine empathy with structure, and standards with commercial awareness.
You'll oversee funeral directing while ensuring the branch operates efficiently, compliantly and with a strong local reputation.Why This Role MattersOur funeral business is built on three core principles: Delivering extraordinary serviceGrowing a sustainable businessUpholding the highest standardsAs Funeral Operations Branch Manager, you bring these to life daily.You will spend around 70% of your time delivering and overseeing services, with the remaining time focused on operational leadership, people development and performance management.You will be accountable for: Consistent service standardsRegulatory compliance and audit readinessTeam engagement and performanceDirect cost control and operational efficiencyLocal community presence and reputationYour ResponsibilitiesService Leadership Deliver and oversee complex funeral arrangementsRun pre-funeral briefings and maintain clarity across the teamEnsure families are guided with empathy and professionalismUphold customer care standards and identification processesTeam Leadership Lead recruitment, onboarding and performance managementConduct regular 1:1s and support developmentManage rotas and ensure service continuityEmbed a culture of ownership and accountabilityOperational Control Maintain accurate records and legal documentationEnsure compliance with regulatory requirementsMonitor branch costs and operational efficiencyIdentify and implement process improvementsCommunity & Commercial Focus Lead local marketing activityBuild trusted relationships with partners and community groupsSupport at-need performance and funeral plan conversationsEnsure all team members are appropriately trained (including FPC where required)What You'll Bring Experience leading teams in a service or customer-focused environmentAbility to operate confidently in regulated settingsStrong organisational and planning skillsCommercial awareness and comfort managing performance metricsResilience and calm leadership in sensitive situationsConfident decision-making and ability to delegateFull UK driving licenceFlexibility for evenings, weekends and on-callExperience in funeral services is advantageous but not essential.We welcome candidates from sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, care services, retail management or other regulated environments where standards, empathy and operational leadership are critical.What We Offer Structured induction and professional developmentApprenticeship qualification opportunitiesBonus potentialLife assurance coverHealth & wellbeing support30-33 days holiday including Bank HolidaysContributory pension schemeRelocation package consideredIf you're ready to combine compassionate leadership with operational excellence, apply today and help us continue building a branch our community can trust.TPBN1_UKTJ