Assistant Manager - Cemeteries & Crematorium

Aquatics Hastings; Hastings; Remote; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hastings District Council is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager for Cemeteries & Crematorium in Hastings. This hands-on role involves coordinating services, supervising staff, and ensuring compassionate, professional service to families and funeral directors.

You will manage bookings, attend to administration, and step up to lead when the Manager is away. Success requires strong customer service, organisational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills and a respectful, empathetic approach.
• The confidence to support, coordinate and provide direction to others.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence working with Microsoft applications and administrative systems.
• A practical approach to problem solving and day-to-day operations.
• The ability to stay calm, professional and responsive when circumstances change.
• A current driver licence.
• The flexibility to work outside normal business hours and on weekends when required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cemetery and crematorium services and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Support staff, funeral directors, contractors, families and community members.
• Oversee administration and bookings and maintain high service standards.
• Provide leadership when the Manager is away and step in as needed.

Skills

Customer service

People coordination

Organisational skills

MS Office

Problem solving

Calm under pressure

Driver's license

Weekend availability

Tools

Administrative systems

Job description

Assistant Manager - Cemeteries & Crematorium

Posted: 06/11/2026

Closing Date: 06/12/2026

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Hastings

Job Category: Cemetery

Welcome to Heretaunga, the area renowned for its rich and fertile landscape that is sustained by its life-giving dews and waterways. Welcome to Heretaunga, whose beauty is observed by the sharp eye of the harrier hawk; a landscape rich in history and with an esteemed legacy of caring and providing for its inhabitants.

We’re looking for a Cemeteries & Crematorium Assistant Manager to help deliver an important service for the people of Heretaunga.

Working alongside the Cemeteries & Crematorium Manager, you’ll help keep day-to-day operations running smoothly while supporting staff, funeral directors, contractors, families and members of our community.This is a hands-on and varied role. You’ll support the coordination of cemetery and crematorium services, oversee administration and bookings, help maintain high standards of service and step up to provide leadership when the Manager is away. Just as importantly, you’ll understand that behind every booking, enquiry and service is a person or whānau who may be experiencing a difficult time. You’ll bring professionalism, patience and genuine empathy to every interaction.

Ōu wheako – about you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• strong customer service skills and a respectful, empathetic approach
• the confidence to support, coordinate and provide direction to others
• good organisational skills and attention to detail
• confidence working with Microsoft applications and administrative systems
• a practical approach to problem solving and day-to-day operations
• the ability to stay calm, professional and responsive when circumstances change
• a current driver licence
• the flexibility to work outside normal business hours and on weekends when required.

You’ll be someone who enjoys being part of a team, takes ownership of their work and understands the importance of getting the details right. Experience within cemetery and crematorium operations would be an advantage, but equally important is your ability to combine practical capability with compassion, discretion and outstanding service.

If you’re looking for a role where your contribution has real meaning for people and your community, we’d love to hear from you

Situated in the heart of Ngāti Kahungunu, the Hastings district and Hawke’s Bay offer an enjoyable environment in which to live, work and play. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. Are you keen to be a part of our journey?

Please Note: Due to the highly competitive employment market, our vacancy close date may be subject to change if a suitable candidate is found, so don't delay in making your application.