Cemeteries Manager

The Methodist Church in Britain; East Finchley; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working options (hybrid)

Staff parking permit

Reimbursement of professional fees

Comprehensive development and training

Discounted membership at local sports/

Access to discounts and benefits via a

Job summary

St Albans City and District Council is seeking a permanent Cemeteries Service Manager to lead operations across three cemeteries and four churchyards. The role covers daily management, long-term strategy, budget oversight, and contract management for ground maintenance and grave preparation.

The post focuses on bereaved families, with flexible working options including hybrid arrangements. A-Level or equivalent and a full driving licence are required, along with Basic Disclosure clearance.

Qualifications

• A-Level or equivalent qualification.
• Experience working with bereaved families.
• Full driving licence.
• Basic Disclosure Check.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management and strategic development of the Cemeteries Service across all sites.
• Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance across cemeteries and churchyards.
• Manage cemetery budget and finances.
• Oversee ground maintenance and grave preparation contracts and liaise with the team.
• Deliver actions in the Council's Cemeteries Strategy and support long-term service development.
• Oversee cemetery infrastructure, buildings and staff.
• Hold overall responsibility for health and safety across all sites.
• Review and promote the service with a customer-led approach.
• Build relationships with community groups, funeral directors, memorial masons, faith groups and volunteers.

Skills

Compassion and empathy

Public communication (English)

Education

A-Level or equivalent

Tools

Plotbox or burial management system

Job description

This permanent role leads the Cemeteries Service at St Albans City and District Council, covering three cemeteries and four closed churchyards. The postholder runs daily operations and the long-term strategy, including the ground maintenance and grave preparation contract and the budget. The post centres on working with bereaved families and offers flexible working, including hybrid. Candidates need A-Level or equivalent and a full driving licence.

What the job involves

• Lead the operational management and strategic development of the Cemeteries Service across all sites
• Ensure statutory and regulatory compliance across the cemeteries and churchyards
• Manage the cemetery budget and finances
• Oversee the ground maintenance and grave preparation contract, including monitoring and daily liaison with the team
• Deliver the actions in the Council's Cemeteries Strategy and support the long-term development of the service
• Oversee cemetery infrastructure, buildings and staff
• Hold overall responsibility for health and safety across all cemetery sites
• Review and promote the service, keeping a customer-led approach in decisions
• Build relationships with community groups, funeral directors, memorial masons, faith groups and volunteers

Qualifications

• A-Level or equivalent

Experience

• Experience working with bereaved families

Skills & knowledge

• Balancing compassion and empathy with honesty and professionalism
• Ability to converse at ease with members of the public and give advice in accurate spoken English

Checks & eligibility

• Full driving licence
• Basic Disclosure Check

Nice to have

• Previous experience managing cemeteries
• Experience working in local government
• ICCM Diploma (support provided to work towards it)
• Knowledge of Plotbox or a burial management system

What’s offered

• 26.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible working options, including hybrid
• Staff parking permit
• Reimbursement of professional fees
• Comprehensive development and training
• Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
• Access to discounts and benefits via an online platform