At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure smooth transport and mortuary operations while providing first-class service.
- Company: Join the Pure Group, the UK's leading provider of later-life planning services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, health cash plan, gym discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a growing company that values care, dignity, and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2 years of supervisory experience in transport or care sectors preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: York
Application Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
We are the Pure Group, and we’re looking for a dedicated Shift Manager to join our team in York. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who leads by example, takes pride in their work, and is passionate about delivering first-class service every time.
About Us
The Pure Group was founded to disrupt the market with our mission to help families rest easy by giving them the freedom to choose how to celebrate their life. We are now the UK’s leading provider of later-life and end-of-life planning services. FCA regulated, financially secure and continuing to grow, we’re investing in our people, technology and services to keep raising the standard. But our purpose remains simple: to support families with dignity, care and compassion when they need it most. Our values guide everything we do: Care Deeply. Take Accountability. Never Settle.
Job Purpose
The role of Shift Manager is to execute daily transport schedules and mortuary workflows safely, whilst managing real-time staff performance, training and wellbeing in strict compliance with company guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
- Shift-Specific Handover & Execution
- For the Early Shift (6:00 AM – 2:30 PM):
- Pre-Launch Checks (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM): Ensure the 5 Scheduled Transit Customs and 4 VW T-Rocs are fully road worthy, presentable, fuelled and stocked with the correct equipment.
- Morning Rollout: Co-ordinate the safe and punctual departure of the Scheduled, Reactive Crews and Ashes Return Specialists.
- Daily Allocations: Manage any immediate morning staff sickness, arranging emergency shift cover and re-allocating backup crews as required.
- Mortuary Induction: Brief the incoming Mortuary/Transfer Assistants at 8:30 AM on the day's priority transfers.
- For the Late Shift (2:00 PM – 10:30 PM):
- Midday Handover (2:00 PM): Conduct a formal, structured handover with the departing Early Shift Manager to review ongoing issues, fleet status and urgent tasks.
- Afternoon Returns: Manage and complete a full drivers de-brief for all Scheduled Ambulances and Ashes Return vehicles. Logging mileage, securing keys and reporting any fleet damage.
- Decontamination Oversight: Oversee the deep cleaning and clinical sanitisation of returning vehicles.
- Evening Returns: Manage and complete a full drivers de-brief for all Reactive Ambulances crews (Days) Logging mileage, securing keys and reporting any fleet damage.
- Night Crew Briefing: Punctually brief and dispatch the incoming Reactive Night Crew at 8:00 PM, ensuring they are fully equipped for overnight tasks.
- Lock-up: Secure the physical site, mortuary and fleet keys at 10:30 PM.
- Attendance & Time Tracking: Monitor real-time attendance, punctuality, and compliance with shift times. Approve timesheets and log any unauthorised absences or lateness.
- Sickness & Absence Management: Conduct Return-to-Work (RTW) interviews following staff sickness, ensuring all documentation is completed and filed in line with company HR policy.
- Performance & Conduct: Address minor performance issues or behavioural infractions on-shift through informal coaching and discussions. Document these interventions and escalate formal disciplinary matters to the Site Manager.
- Onboarding & Training: Co-ordinate on the job training, mentoring and practical inductions for new ambulance crews and mortuary staff, signing off on basic competencies (e.g., manual handling, vehicle checking).
- Staff Welfare & Wellbeing: Act as the first point of contact for staff welfare. Lead debrief sessions after emotionally challenging or complex deceased transfers, actively promoting a supportive and resilient team environment.
- Monitor active vehicle trackers and live schedules to troubleshoot transit delays, road closures, or operational bottlenecks.
- Ensure all drivers carry out their mandatory pre-drive vehicle checks, reporting and logging any defects immediately.
- Authorise and schedule urgent ad-hoc servicing or tyre replacements with local partners to maintain maximum fleet uptime.
- Oversee the Mortuary/Transfer Assistants and Ashes Return Specialists, ensuring absolute compliance with identity verification and tracking protocols.
- Supervise the safe storage and movement of the deceased within the mortuary facility.
- Ensure all paperwork and ashes return logs are double-checked, completely error-free and compliant before any release or transport.
- Act as the on-site 'Responsible Person' during shift hours for all health, safety and infection control matters.
- Monitor staff to ensure correct manual handling techniques are used during complex transfers or ready to assist when necessary.
- Oversee the safe disposal of clinical waste and the maintenance of sterile environments across both vehicles and the mortuary.
Candidate Profile
Experience & Qualifications
- Logistics/Transport Experience: Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in a fast-paced transport, dispatch or emergency service environment.
- Care Sector Exposure: Experience within the funeral, private ambulance or healthcare sector is highly advantageous.
- Basic HR/People Management: Proven experience conducting return-to-work interviews, managing shift rotas and handling staff disputes or performance coaching.
- Manual Handling Competency: Certified in (or willing to be trained in) advanced manual handling and dynamic risk assessments.
- Driving Licence: Clean, valid UK driving licence.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Outstanding Communication: The ability to run clear, structured handovers, deliver constructive feedback and keep multiple field-based teams aligned.
- Decisive Leadership: Comfortable making fast, logical decisions on route deviations, vehicle breakdowns or staff sickness.
- Empathy & Active Listening: A highly supportive approach to staff welfare, understanding the unique mental and emotional demands placed on crews handling deceased care.
- Respect and Professionalism: An innate understanding of the sensitive nature of deceased care, projecting calm, respectful authority always.
Our Benefits
- 30 days’ holiday, plus bank holidays – giving you more time to switch off and recharge.
- Bupa Health Cash Plan to help with everyday healthcare costs.
- Discounted gym membership and a Cycle to Work Scheme to support your health and wellbeing.
- A comprehensive induction and access to our Learning and Development Academy to help you grow.
- Enhanced family-friendly benefits to support you through life’s important moments.
- 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life Assurance for added peace of mind.
- A Company Pension, with a SMART Pension option.
We are entering an exciting phase of growth and investment. Backed by experienced private equity partners and underpinned by a strong financial position, we are continuing to expand our services, invest in innovation, and attract exceptional people who share our ambition. Join us and you'll become part of a purpose-driven organisation that is transforming our sector while never losing sight of what matters most - supporting families with care, dignity and respect.
Please note, we may need to undertake a vetting process through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland on new employees, dependent on requirement. All gaps in your CV must be disclosed. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Equal Opportunities
The Pure Group strives to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds — regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief. We celebrate difference because we believe it enriches our work and strengthens the way we support one another. If you need any additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please contact us on 07469 400065 or email us at hr.recruitment@purecremation.co.uk
Shift Manager in York employer: Pure Cremation
At Pure Cremation, we pride ourselves on fostering a compassionate and supportive work environment in Knutsford, where our Dignified Transfer Operatives play a crucial role in providing respectful service during sensitive times. We offer competitive pay, a paid lunch break, and opportunities for personal growth within a team that values empathy and professionalism. Join us to make a meaningful impact while being part of a company that truly cares about its employees and the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager in York
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Pure Cremation.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Pure Cremation. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Manager in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Pure Cremation, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Pure Cremation and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Pure Cremation. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure Cremation
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Pure Cremation.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Pure Cremation.
