Crematorium Manager

About the position

To lead and manage the Crematorium Services team, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, compassionate, and efficient cremation service that meets regulatory standards and exceeds stakeholder expectations. The role involves operational oversight of all aspects of the crematorium, maintenance of statutory compliance, performance management of the team, and continuous improvement of services provided to the public, funeral directors, and partners.

Additionally, the role carries responsibility for the registration function and ensuring compliance with cemetery regulations across the borough.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & People Management

• Lead, motivate, and manage the Crematorium Services team, ensuring effective staffing, development, and performance in line with HR policies.

• Foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and continuous improvement.

• Promote and embed health, safety, and wellbeing practices within all operational activities.

2. Operational Management

• Ensure the crematorium facilities, including cremators, plant, buildings, and grounds, are maintained to the highest standards of safety, functionality, and presentation.

• Oversee all statutory duties related to the cremation process, ensuring compliance with Home Office requirements, cremation regulations, and environmental legislation.

• Develop and expand service offerings, including unattended funerals and other emerging needs.

• Act as the main point of contact for funeral directors, officiants, and other stakeholders involved in service delivery.

3. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure robust systems are in place for statutory records, registers, and documentation in line with regulatory frameworks.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation and guidance governing cremation, environmental protection, and health and safety.

• Liaise with government bodies and statutory authorities as necessary.

4. Service Planning & Development

• Develop and implement annual team plans aligned with wider service objectives.

• Create and maintain service level agreements (SLAs) and ensure services are delivered in accordance with agreed standards.

• Lead service improvement initiatives, including the development of policies, procedures, and service innovations.

• Establish succession planning and workforce strategies to ensure sustainability of expertise and service delivery.

5. Financial & Resource Management

• Effectively manage allocated budgets, ensuring financial accountability and adherence to procurement policies.

• Monitor and control expenditure on staffing, maintenance, and equipment.

• Develop business cases for investment in facilities and services where necessary.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain productive relationships with funeral directors, religious and secular officiants, community leaders, and external partners.

• Represent the service at regional and sector networks to share best practice and collaborate on developments in bereavement services.

• Collaborate with internal teams including facilities management, environmental services, and communication teams.

7. Service Improvement & Performance

• Monitor service performance against KPIs and SLAs, ensuring continuous improvement.

• Implement quality assurance frameworks and customer feedback mechanisms to inform service delivery.

• Lead on initiatives to improve service efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.

8. Additional Responsibilities

• Fulfil any other duties commensurate with the role as directed by senior management.

• Be available for occasional out-of-hours duties or emergencies relating to site operations.

Place of work