Operations Lead – 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

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.