Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and supervise cemetery maintenance teams, ensuring high standards and safety for visitors.
- Company: Reading Borough Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the community while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, supervisory experience, and compassion for bereaved families.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for professional development and innovative ideas.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job description
Reporting to the Bereavement Service Operations Manager you will supervise and lead Cemetery and Memorial Maintenance Teams within the Bereavement Service Team. The Team undertakes all aspects of the cemetery grounds and burial processes in accordance with Council and Service policies, standards and procedures, legal requirements, and professional codes of practice.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
You will be based at Henley Road Cemetery & Crematorium Office, All Hallows Road, Reading, RG4 5LP but the role covers all cemeteries under the control of Reading Borough Council.
You will strive to ensure the graves and grounds are kept to the highest standard and maintain the safety of all our visitors across all the cemeteries and churchyards we manage. You will have a practical and hands on approach as and when required (this is not a daily requirement). With a polite and courteous manner when dealing with visitor enquiries.
Duties include:
-
Supervision/direction of all operational cemetery/memorial staff and any relevant contractors ensuring compliance with all corporate health, safety and welfare policies, to plan, direct and coordinate contractors and implementation of cemetery regulations.
-
Ensure that all administrative duties are conducted in accordance with regulations and methods as specified by the department including the legal requirements and professional Codes of Practice.
-
Ensure all work is carried out with 100% accuracy and with a methodical approach.
-
Be responsible for the memorial testing
-
Adhere to the Council\’s Customer Care Policy ensuring a sensitive and caring approach is maintained in relation to the range of services provided
-
Work with the management team in identifying new business and areas for improvement
-
Implement any changes in regulation and ensure that all staff are briefed on the changes as well any implications of the said change.
You\’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you\’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team- champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency- create an environment in which resources are used efficiently, and employees\’ skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious -aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading- inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity
About you
You\’ll be required to work some weekends, evenings and Bank Holidays; this will be on a rota basis and be flexible to adjust working hours to meet operational requirements
The following experience is required for this role:
-
Good general standard of education, preferably at GCSE at Level 4 or above including Maths and English.
-
First Aid / Health and Safety Qualification
-
ICT Literate – able to use Microsoft Office, Outlook and relevant databases
-
Working in an open spaces environment in a supervisory capacity with grounds maintenance / gravedigger / stone mason or other related skills
-
Relevant experience within a customer facing environment.
-
Speaking with bereaved people with compassion, understanding and cultural awareness
-
Must be of smart appearance when required to meet members of the public, attend meetings or provide cover at customer facing events.
-
Prepared to work towards ICCM COTS (grave digging) course and Cremator Operator Qualification or equivalent
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you\’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
-
Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years\’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
-
Local Government Pension Scheme(LGPS)
-
Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
-
A children\’s day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) is available at the Civic Offices in Reading located at the civic offices rated outstanding by Ofsted.
-
Season Ticket Loan – to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
-
Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Brenda Ellis – Bereavement Services Operation Manager at
Closing Date: Sunday 19thOctober 2025
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Cemetery Supervisor employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cemetery Supervisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 company and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in Reading.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on showcasing your experience in customer service and your ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion—key traits for a Cemetery Supervisor.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cemetery Supervisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Cemetery Supervisor. We want to see how you can contribute to maintaining the highest standards in our cemeteries!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have in supervisory roles or customer-facing environments. We’re looking for someone who can handle sensitive situations with compassion and professionalism.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a methodical approach, so make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Cemetery Supervisor inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around health and safety regulations, customer care policies, and memorial testing. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're serious about the position.
✨Show Your Compassion
Since you'll be dealing with bereaved families, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown compassion and understanding, especially in customer-facing roles. This will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical knowledge and hands-on approach. Prepare to discuss how you would manage cemetery maintenance teams or handle specific scenarios involving visitor enquiries. Having real-life examples ready will make your answers more impactful.
✨Dress the Part
First impressions matter! Make sure you present yourself smartly, as you'll be meeting members of the public and attending meetings. A professional appearance will not only boost your confidence but also reflect your respect for the role and the community you'll serve.