Bereavement Service Team Leader

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental organization in Solihull seeks an Operations Team Leader for the Registration & Bereavement Services. This role involves overseeing the operations of multiple cemeteries and crematoriums, managing a team while ensuring high-quality service delivery during sensitive times. Although direct experience in the funeral industry is not required, strong leadership and customer service skills are essential. Benefits include generous annual leave, flexible working options, and access to employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Recognised leadership/management qualification or relevant experience.
• Experience in managing or supervising teams with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Compassionate and customer-focused management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of cemeteries and crematoriums.
• Deliver high-quality customer experiences for funerals and cremations.
• Manage and develop a team of up to six people.

Skills

Compassionate management

Team development

Organizational skills

Customer-focused service

Stakeholder relationship building

Education

Leadership/management qualification

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Registration & Bereavement Service team here in Solihull. We are seeking an Operations Team Leader who will play a vital role in delivering a special experience for those saying goodbye to loved ones. Solihull Bereavement Service operates across three sites: Robin Hood Cemetery and Crematorium; Woodlands Cemetery and Crematorium; Widney Manor Cemetery.

If successful, you will be responsible for the operations teams based across Solihull and be an essential part of our service management team. This is a highly rewarding role where you will make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals and families during some of life's most significant moments. We are committed to your professional development and will support you in achieving FBCA and IOSH qualifications to enhance your cremator operation and health and safety expertise.

What matters most to us is the energy and talent you can bring to delivering such a sensitive service. If you are a highly motivated, compassionate individual with management experience, we want to hear from you. At Solihull, we recognise that death is very much a part of life. Saying farewell to a loved one in a meaningful way is as much about providing love, care, and support for the living as it is about bidding a respectful farewell to the person who has died.

You may not have direct experience of managing a crematorium or working in the funeral industry, but we want to hear from you if you have:

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation of the cemeteries and crematoriums, including drafting policies, overseeing IT, recruitment, permits, and legislative procedures.
• Deliver a high-quality customer experience for funerals, cremations, burials, and memorialisation.
• Manage and develop a team of up to six people and embed a compassionate, customer-focused and proactive culture.
• Develop income strategies with supporting marketing materials.
• Develop and nurture relationships with external stakeholders and customers, such as the bereaved, the general public, and funeral directors.
• Take responsibility for the care and disposal of the deceased in accordance with current legislation.

Qualifications and experience

• You have a recognised leadership/management qualification or can demonstrate relevant experience in a departmental or operational lead role.
• Experience in managing or supervising teams, with the ability to inspire, develop, and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• You are a compassionate and customer-focused manager, with experience delivering high-quality services or experiences for customers.
• You can build strong relationships with key stakeholders such as funeral directors and charities.
• You have the business acumen to develop new products and services, and you can communicate our vision and offer to communities and stakeholders.
• You have an eye for detail and a passion for adopting best practice to ensure services are delivered in a legally compliant and efficient way.
• As an essential car user, you must be able to drive, have a valid driving licence and have a suitable vehicle available; however, for disabled applicants, reasonable adjustments will be made where required.

Location and requirements

This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers.

Benefits

• A range of flexible working options.
• Generous annual leave plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• A Flexitime scheme.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service.
• Family and carer-friendly policies.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Exclusive employee benefits: staff discounts, subsidised travel passes, Cycle 2 Work Scheme.