Bereavement Services Manager

Thanet District Council; Margate; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Margate is seeking a dedicated individual to lead its Bereavement Services team. The successful candidate will manage operations, ensure compliance, and develop policies to provide high-quality cremation and burial services to the community. Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated individual with relevant experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of health and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Bereavement Services Team.
• Ensure health and safety compliance.
• Manage assigned budgets and resources.
• Develop policies for efficient service delivery.

Skills

Leadership and management skills

Good communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

You will report to the Head of Neighbourhoods. You will work with a small, friendly team operating within the public sector, providing Cremation and Burial Services to bereaved families and the public. The primary purpose of this role is to lead the direct day‑to‑day management, operation, and administration of all aspects of the Bereavement service and associated buildings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and directly line manage (including appraisals, one‑to‑one meetings, disciplinary action, and support) the Bereavement Services Team.
• Ensure health and safety compliance is maintained by staff, by undertaking regular H&S checks, completing and reviewing risk assessments and safe systems of work, keeping records updated, and undertaking corrective or disciplinary action as required.
• Manage and be responsible for assigned budgets, including the purchase and delivery of large spend items. Maximise value for money through effective use of resources and spending in line with procurement procedures.
• Develop, implement and review policies and procedures in relation to the efficient delivery of Bereavement Services.
• Develop, support and promote a strong customer‑focused performance culture within the team.
• Manage the maintenance of 12 closed churchyards.
• Manage the Memorial Stability Programme over the next 20 years.
• Be fully aware of all statutory changes and take responsibility for reviewing service practice and managing change, liaising with the funeral trade, doctors, coroners, medical examiners and medical referees and dealing with implications of amendments to the burial and cremation Acts.
• Negotiate and oversee Service Level Agreements between Bereavement Services and other Council departments, establishing and negotiating service standards, monitoring delivery and working within the budget set for each SLA, revising as necessary.

Our historic seaside towns of Ramsgate, Margate, and Broadstairs, along with their surrounding villages, are rich in heritage and opportunity. With 19 miles of stunning coastline, our beautiful Blue Flag beaches, the internationally renowned Turner Contemporary, and the UK’s only Royal Harbour are all just a short train ride from central London, thanks to the high‑speed rail link. Our proximity to the port of Dover and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone means Europe is literally on our doorstep too. All of this, combined with a flexible approach to how we work, makes it an exciting time to join Thanet District Council. We have set our sights high. We strive to provide our residents with the highest quality services and aim to ensure that by listening to local people, working in active partnership, and innovatively addressing challenges, we can accelerate improvements to meet the challenges ahead. The post holder will be required to liaise with other members of Council staff, councillors, the public and other statutory agencies.

We are seeking to appoint a self‑motivated, enthusiastic individual to become part of the Neighbourhoods Service and lead the running of the Cemetery and Crematorium. Applicants must possess good communication and organisational skills, be able to work independently, and have relevant previous experience.