Bereavement Manager (Operations)

Worcester; Astwood; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Worcester City Council seeks an experienced Bereavement Manager to lead its new crematorium and modern bereavement service. The role combines operational leadership with digital transformation, including embedding PlotBox and managing two new electric cremators, ensuring high standards of care and compliance.

You will oversee cremations, burials, chapel and grounds, supervise staff, manage budgets, and develop service improvements while maintaining compassionate support for bereaved families.

Qualifications

• Proven management experience in crematorium/cemetery environments.
• Experience completing and overseeing statutory cremation and burial documentation.
• Experience reviewing emissions information and maintaining compliance with an environmental permit.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the crematorium.
• Oversee cremator performance, filtration and abatement equipment, emissions information and environmental permit requirements.
• Plan daily capacity, staffing rotas and work schedules across cremations, burials, chapel services and cemetery operations.
• Maintain accurate statutory registers, cremation records and deeds of exclusive rights of burial.
• Lead, motivate and develop operational, professional and seasonal staff.
• Provide technical guidance, structured training and mentoring across the service.
• Manage cemetery and crematorium health and safety, including risk assessments, safe systems of work and memorial safety.
• Lead the grounds team and maintain high standards across Astwood and St John’s.
• Manage budgets, procurement, equipment and other operational resources.
• Review performance information and identify opportunities for service improvement and income generation.
• Act as senior escalation point for complex enquiries and complaints, ensuring compassionate support for bereaved families.
• Deputise for Bereavement and Greenspaces Services Manager when required.

Skills

Management experience

Cremator operations

Budgeting & procurement

Staff development

Health & safety

Environmental permits

Customer care

Driving licence

Organisational skills

Empathy

Education

ICCM Diploma

Job description

Are you an experienced crematorium or cemetery manager looking for the opportunity to lead a modern bereavement service?

Worcester City Council is seeking an exceptional professional to help shape the future of bereavement services from a newly opened crematorium featuring two new electric cremators and the implementation of the sector-leading PlotBox management system. This is a unique opportunity to combine operational leadership, technical expertise and service innovation in a role that genuinely makes a difference to local families.

This is a rare opportunity to play a leading role in the development of a modern bereavement service following significant investment in its future.

Our newly opened crematorium is equipped with two new fully abated electric cremators, placing Worcester at the forefront of environmentally responsible cremation services. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape operational practices, optimise performance and help embed new ways of working within a state‑of‑the‑art facility.

In addition, the service is currently implementing PlotBox, the leading cemetery, crematorium and funeral management software used internationally across the bereavement sector. The Bereavement Manager will play a key role in embedding this newly purchased system, leading the transition from existing processes, driving staff adoption, improving data quality and helping realise the benefits of a fully integrated digital bereavement management platform.

This role would suit an experienced cemetery or crematorium manager who enjoys not only running high‑performing operations but also leading service improvement, digital transformation and organisational change. It offers a unique opportunity to influence the future of bereavement services in a progressive local authority while maintaining the highest standards of care, professionalism and compliance. The service undertakes approximately 2,250 cremations and 110 full burials each year.

As Bereavement Manager (Operations), you will provide the day‑to‑day leadership needed to ensure that our crematorium, cemeteries, chapel and grounds operate safely, smoothly and to the highest professional standards. You will also help develop the service for the future, balancing technical compliance, excellent customer care, environmental responsibility and sound commercial management.

The role

You will take operational responsibility for the effective delivery of cremations, burials, chapel services and associated grounds operations. Working closely with colleagues, funeral directors, memorial masons, coroners, medical referees, faith representatives and other partners, you will ensure that every service is delivered with dignity, sensitivity and attention to detail.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the crematorium
• Overseeing cremator performance, filtration and abatement equipment, emissions information and environmental permit requirements
• 11 members of staff. Planning daily capacity, staffing rotas and work schedules across cremations, burials, chapel services and cemetery operations
• Maintaining accurate statutory registers, cremation records and deeds of exclusive rights of burial
• Leading, motivating and developing operational, professional and seasonal staff
• Providing technical guidance, structured training and mentoring across the service
• Managing cemetery and crematorium health and safety, including risk assessments, safe systems of work and memorial safety
• Leading the grounds team and maintaining high standards across Astwood and St John’s
• Managing budgets, procurement, equipment and other operational resources
• Reviewing performance information and identifying opportunities for service improvement and income generation
• Acting as the senior escalation point for complex enquiries and complaints, ensuring that bereaved families receive clear, compassionate and professional support
• Deputising for the Bereavement and Greenspaces Services Manager when required.

You will have:

• Proven management experience within a crematorium, cemetery or another highly regulated public‑service environment
• A strong technical understanding of cremator operations, abatement systems and cemetery land‑management processes
• Experience completing and overseeing statutory cremation and burial documentation
• Experience reviewing emissions information and maintaining compliance with an environmental permit
• Sound knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements
• Experience managing and developing operational teams, setting clear expectations and monitoring performance
• The ability to manage budgets, procurement and financial reporting
• A recognised bereavement‑services qualification, such as the ICCM Diploma in Cemetery and Crematorium Management, or an appropriate equivalent
• Excellent organisational skills and the confidence to exercise professional judgement
• The composure and empathy required to work sensitively with bereaved families
• A full driving licence and the flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends when operationally necessary.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We would like to help you shine during this process.