Job description

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

Cemetery and Crematorium Operations Manager