At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality burial services and oversee cemetery operations in a vibrant London borough.
- Company: Join Brent Council, a diverse and dynamic local authority committed to community transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 33 days annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and supportive family-friendly policies available.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact during sensitive times while leading innovative service improvements.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in cemetery operations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 66378 - 69984 £ per year.
Salary range: £66,378 - £69,984 p.a. incl. London weighting (plus fantastic benefits!)
Contract: Fixed - Term - 8 months with the possibility to extend to 12 Month Maternity Cover
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic Centre and other locations from time to time
An excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated Cemeteries Manager to lead the delivery of high-quality burial services across a diverse London borough. Reporting to the Head of Registration and Bereavement Services, you will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cemetery operations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, and maintaining high standards of grounds maintenance, health and safety, and customer care. The role requires strong operational leadership, sound professional judgement, and a commitment to delivering sensitive, responsive services to residents at difficult times.
This post is offered as an 8-month fixed-term maternity cover with the possibility of extension, and we are seeking a candidate who can start as soon as possible. We welcome applications from individuals with significant experience in cemetery operations and grounds maintenance within a local authority or similar setting. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed.
The Person:
- Evidence of significant relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- An expert knowledge of the law, rules and regulations relating to burials, cemeteries operations and memorial safety.
- Knowledge of best practice in HR and financial management.
- In depth knowledge of procurement rules including EU requirements within a local authority setting.
- Knowledge of businesses planning and operating in a commercial environment.
- Experience of leading innovation and change including service transformation through system change, promoting change in individual and community behaviour, and use of evidence e.g. through research and consultation, to guide service development.
- Delivering customer focused services and service improvements managing demands and pressures on the service and tight deadlines.
- A detailed understanding of the different cultural and religious requirements related to burial, cremations and memorial arrangements.
- Experience of working using Microsoft office suite of IT packages including spreadsheets and Cemeteries software systems.
- Experience of managing remote teams, external contractors and agencies and an understanding of the relevant roles and responsibilities.
- Knowledge and experience of financial forecasting, capital and revenue budget management and financial planning.
Why join us?
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays.
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS).
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles.
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans.
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities.
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment.
Closing date: Sunday 21 June 2026 (23:59)
If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the essential requirements on the Job description. We will accept a CV in support of your application, however, you should still provide a supporting statement.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.
We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.
As a disability confident employer, Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
Cemeteries Manager employer: Borough of Brent
Brent Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work environment, offering up to 33 days of annual leave, excellent pension contributions, and flexible working options. With a commitment to employee growth through learning and development opportunities, Brent provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant London borough while ensuring high-quality services for the community during sensitive times.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cemeteries Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council and its values. Understand their transformation agenda and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to operational leadership and customer care. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Cemeteries Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace Cemeteries Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Experience:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in cemetery operations and grounds maintenance. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it specific to the job description and clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the laws and regulations surrounding cemetery operations. Being well-versed in these areas will show that you’re serious about the role and can handle the responsibilities that come with it.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed projects in the past. This role requires strong operational leadership, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide others will be key.
✨Understand Cultural Sensitivities
Familiarise yourself with the different cultural and religious practices related to burials and memorials. Showing that you respect and understand these nuances will highlight your commitment to providing sensitive services.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Prepare to discuss how you would manage difficult situations, especially those involving grieving families, to showcase your problem-solving skills.
