Hunnaball Family Funeral Group are seeking an experienced and proactive Operations Manager to join their growing workforce and be a pioneer in company growth. Established in 1983 by Trevor and Melanie Hunnaball, our business operates with a simple ethos – to provide funeral services with dignity, humanity and the greatest of care. The role of Operations Manager will play a fundamental part in taking our family run business to the next stage whilst also respecting our family values. The funeral business is one built on trust and reputation. We are a close-knit, community minded family group with 15 outlets throughout Essex and Suffolk, making us the largest independent funeral company in East Anglia.
The role will be based at our head office in Colchester however, you will be required to visit branches and operational sites as part of your role.
Job Purpose
To lead and coordinate the operational delivery of funeral services across the group, ensuring that all services are delivered professionally, compassionately, efficiently and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The role will provide leadership to operational teams, oversee resources, vehicles and facilities, drive continuous improvement, and support the strategic growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate day-to-day operational activities across funeral homes and branches.
- Ensure high standards of delivery of client care, branch presentation, ceremonial delivery and professional service.
- Oversee funeral operations from first contact through to final service delivery.
- Manage staffing levels, rotas and operational resource planning.
- Recruit, develop, coach and support operational employees.
- Conduct performance and development reviews and promote company values and standards.
- Monitor operational performance, service quality and key performance indicators.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and service excellence.
- Liaise effectively with crematoria, cemeteries, celebrants, clergy, hospitals, care homes, coroners and suppliers.
- Maintain compliance with health and safety, employment, transport, data protection and funeral sector requirements.
- Manage risk assessments and operational documentation.
- Monitor budgets, operational costs and supplier relationships.
- Provide operational leadership during peak demand periods and emergency situations.
Essential Experience and Knowledge
- Experience in operations, logistics or service delivery management.
- Experience leading and managing teams within a customer-focused environment.
- Strong understanding of compliance, health and safety and operational controls.
- Experience of workforce planning, rota management and resource allocation.
- Commercial awareness with experience of managing costs and improving operational performance.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Competent IT and reporting skills.
- IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification.
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
- Experience within the funeral sector or another highly regulated service environment.
- Knowledge of funeral industry regulations and best practice guidance.
- IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification.
- Leadership and people management.
- Organisation and planning.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Decision making and problem solving.
- Excellent communication and relationship management.
- Professionalism, discretion and integrity.
- Commitment to outstanding customer service.
Working Conditions
The role may require occasional evening, weekend and bank holiday working, and regular travel between branches and operational sites. The postholder will regularly deal with sensitive and emotionally challenging situations requiring compassion, professionalism and discretion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Details:
Hunnaball Family Funeral Group Recruitment Team
