Bereavement Services Manager in Leicester

Join us as a Bereavement Services Manager who will manage and deliver high quality, customer focused and cost-effective bereavement services. The provision of a burial and cremation service, with over 1,600 cremations at our Gilroes Crematorium and 900 burials across our four cemeteries annually. The management of a memorial safety team who oversee memorials and the four cemeteries and 12 closed churchyards across the City, along with the grounds maintenance of the cemeteries.

Management of the dedicated teams of staff to facilitate the service from the bookings and administration of a busy bereavement service to the actual burial and cremation to meet the diverse cultural needs of our communities and the upkeep of all of the facilities. The provision of a dignified funeral is a critical factor for families and friends following the death of a loved one. The council plays a vital role in supporting the grieving process by offering accessible, high quality bereavement services that meet a wide range of needs.

Historically, families have relied on council services at times of loss, creating a strong expectation of continuity, trust and compassionate delivery. Leicester is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, with a wide range of religious, cultural and personal requirements surrounding death and bereavement. This role is distinct in requiring the management and delivery of services that are inclusive, culturally sensitive and responsive to those diverse needs, while operating within a local authority setting.

The role will be based at Gilroes Crematorium where the administration team are based, however you will be expected to work from all cemeteries as required. The role is full time Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week, with a requirement to attend out of hours meetings.

What you’ll be doing:

• A broad remit covering daily staff management, budget responsibility and ensuring bereavement services are delivered to a high standard.
• You will achieve the provision of a fit for purpose burial and cremation service, providing a value for money service.
• Forecasting income streams and management of resources.
• You will be involved in a range of meetings with internal and external partners, including team meetings, Executive Lead meetings, City Mayor 121 and City Mayor briefings, Scrutiny Committee, various faith groups, contractors, Excess Death group etc.
• Liaising with a range of internal staff and officers, including bereavement team, wider parks and open spaces colleagues, coronial service and Registrars, City Councillors and Executive members and external bodies such as contractors, faith groups, community groups and volunteers.

What you’ll need:

• Experience of bereavement services, managing staff and resources, project management, health & safety management.
• Bringing your high-level skills in leadership, ICT, communication.
• Ability to work under significant pressure and prioritise own and other tasks to meet set objectives/statutory & local timescales/targets/deadlines.

What we can offer you:

As well as the satisfaction of helping to improve thousands of lives across Leicester, you can look forward to a work environment that encourages a healthy work/life balance. You’ll enjoy generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the option of flexible working. We’ll also give you the chance to develop your skills and expertise with a variety of training and development opportunities. In addition, you can choose from a number of flexible benefits, including discounts on city buses and trains.

Join us:

We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly-talented workforce as we continue to build a council that is fitting and representative of our great city. That’s why we’ve designed our recruitment process to put you at your ease, make you feel welcome and bring the best out of you. We’ll do all we can to make our recruitment process as fair as possible.

To help you with your application, take a look at the ‘our approach to recruitment’ page. For an informal chat about this role, please contact Stewart Doughty or Alan Brown. Assessments / Interviews will take place week commencing 9th of March.