Operational Manager Cemeteries & Crematorium in Upminster

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 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.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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. You will demonstrate:

• 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. In return we offer:

• 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.

Please view Job Profile here.

Join us and help deliver compassionate, professional and outstanding bereavement services for the residents of Havering.

Please note, candidates should be available for interview, in person, on the 13th & 14th October 26. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Louise.Roast@havering.gov.uk. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 30/9/26; however, interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Helpdesk on 01708 432770.

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. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

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.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.