Operational Manager Cemeteries & Crematorium

London Borough of Havering; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

London Borough of Havering seeks an experienced Operations Manager for Cemeteries & Crematorium to lead Bereavement Services at the South Essex Crematorium and four cemeteries across Upminster, Romford, Hornchurch and Rainham.

You will oversee teams, manage budgets, drive improvements, and ensure compliance with legislation and professional standards while maintaining a sensitive, customer-focused service during difficult times.

Qualifications

• Relevant professional qualification in bereavement, crematorium, cemetery, horticulture or operational management disciplines.
• Membership of ICCM or FBCA.
• ICCM Intermediate or Full Diploma (or willingness to work towards).
• IOSH or equivalent Health and Safety qualification.
• A recognised management qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop operational teams to deliver excellent customer service and high performance.
• Manage burial and cremation services, ensuring compliance with legislation, professional codes of practice and service standards.
• Oversee grounds maintenance across approximately 75 acres of cemetery and crematorium land.
• Manage revenue and capital budgets and ensure effective financial performance.
• Plan and deliver service improvements and capital projects.
• Manage specialist cremation, filtration plant and cemetery operational assets.
• Develop and review policies, procedures and operational standards.
• Build effective relationships with funeral directors, faith groups, stakeholders, contractors, professional bodies and community organisations.
• Ensure health and safety, environmental and memorial safety compliance.
• Handle customer feedback and complaints sensitively and professionally.
• Deputise for the Assistant Director when required

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Budgets

Contracts

Performance management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Partnership development

Empathy

Team development

Education

Bereavement/crematorium/cemetery/operational management qualification

ICCM/FBCA membership

ICCM Diploma (intermediate/full) or willingness to work towards

IOSH or health & safety qualification

Management qualification

Job description

Grade 10- £59,511-£63,966pa

London Borough of Havering- Bereavement Services

Are you an experienced operational manager with a passion for delivering high-quality public services? Havering is seeking an exceptional

Job Description

Operations Manager - Cemeteries & Crematorium to lead and develop our highly regarded Bereavement Services operation based at the South Essex Crematorium.

This is a unique opportunity to manage a sensitive, customer-focused service that supports residents at some of the most important and difficult times in their lives. You will oversee the operational delivery of four cemeteries located across Upminster, Romford, Hornchurch and Rainham, together with the South Essex Crematorium in Upminster. As a key member of the Bereavement Services Management Team, you will lead a dedicated workforce, drive continuous improvement, deliver capital projects, manage budgets and ensure the service remains compliant with all relevant legislation and professional standards,

About The Role

Reporting to the Assistant Director for the Customer, Bereavement & Registration Service , you will have responsibility for the operational management of cemeteries and crematorium services, including management of supervisory and operational teams across multiple sites

• Leading, motivating and developing operational teams to deliver excellent customer service and high performance.
• Managing all aspects of burial and cremation services, ensuring compliance with legislation, professional codes of practice and service standards.
• Overseeing grounds maintenance across approximately 75 acres of cemetery and crematorium land.
• Managing revenue and capital budgets and ensuring effective financial performance.
• Planning and delivering service improvements and capital projects.
• Managing specialist cremation, filtration plant and cemetery operational assets.
• Developing and reviewing policies, procedures and operational standards.
• Building effective relationships with funeral directors, faith groups, stakeholders, contractors, professional bodies and community organisations.
• Ensuring health and safety, environmental and memorial safety compliance.
• Handling customer feedback and complaints sensitively and professionally.
• Deputising for the Assistant Director when required

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated and resilient manager with substantial experience leading operational teams and delivering high-quality customer-focused services.

• Proven experience managing staff, budgets, contracts and resources.
• A strong track record of delivering service improvements and operational excellence.
• Experience of business planning, performance management and project delivery.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience of developing partnerships with public, private and voluntary sector organisations.
• The ability to manage complex situations with professionalism, sensitivity and empathy.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop teams.

Essential Qualifications

You will ideally hold:

• A relevant professional qualification in bereavement, crematorium, cemetery, horticulture or operational management disciplines.
• Membership of a relevant professional body such as ICCM or FBCA.
• ICCM Intermediate or Full Diploma (or willingness to work towards).
• IOSH or equivalent Health and Safety qualification.
• A recognised management qualification.

What We Offer

At Havering, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to local communities while working within a supportive and ambitious service.

• A rewarding and varied leadership role.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements where service needs allow.
• A strong commitment to employee wellbeing, equality and inclusion.
• The opportunity to shape and develop one of London's leading bereavement services.

Working Arrangements

This role requires a flexible approach to working hours, including occasional evening meetings, emergency response availability and attendance across multiple sites. Access to a vehicle for business use is essential. The successful candidate may occasionally be required to undertake operational duties to ensure service continuity.

Additional Information

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact [e-mail]

About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.

Find out why you should work for Havering Council.