Chief Operations Officer in Leeds

About us:

Anima Care UK, trading as The Pet Crematoria Family are recruiting a Chief Operations Officer to join the Senior Management Team.

The Pet Crematoria Family have a Head Office in Leeds and 7 Pet Crematoria sites around the UK:

• Paignton, Devon
• Cobham, Surrey
• Runcorn, Cheshire
• Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
• Witton Gilbert, Durham
• Larkhall, Lanarkshire
• Rossendale, Lancashire

This is a fantastic time to join the business following acquisition and the ambitious growth strategy, investment and drive to become a world class organisation.

Please visit our website for more information - thepetcrematoria.co.uk.

Summary of the role:

• Support the CEO in providing direction and leadership to the division’s operational management team.
• Provide guidance and support to general managers and operational teams to deliver continual improvement in service delivery and operational efficiency. 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Management Team and CEO to establish divisional strategy and to achieve divisional objectives.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Work proactively with the CEO and colleagues in Senior Team to establish, implement and maintain effective Operational Management Systems
• Ensure operational objectives are set and achieved to deliver continual improvements in operational performance.
• Ensure the effective and efficient day-to-day operation of all crematoria activities.
• Provide competent expert knowledge and skills and hands on assistance across the division in order to generate and promote a positive attitude and the adoption of Best Practice.
• Ensure crematoria operate within their respective budgets, that any over expenditure is investigated thoroughly and that all reasonable commercial steps are taken to mitigate the over-expenditure.
• Contribute effectively to the preparation of crematorium forecasts and budgets.
• Assist the CEO in the integration of acquired crematoria and the recruitment of operational management.
• Establish and maintain plans to ensure that sufficient managerial and technically competent colleagues are recruited and trained to meet the current and anticipated needs of the business.
• Monitor training to ensure that Health & Safety training is carried out at all crematoria in line with legislation and ensure health, safety and environmental risk is managed at all crematoria.
• Ensure that a Management Review of the Crematorium Divisions Management System takes place with the CEO, Compliance Manager and General Managers at planned intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.
• Keep abreast of all changes in relevant legislation to include (inter alia): The Environmental Protection Act; The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations; The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations (as amended); and The Animal By-Products Regulations and ensure all sites operate within the conditions of their licenses/permits at all times.
• Work with the Senior Team to ensure all colleague issues are dealt with in a professional legal manner and that performance issues are dealt with in accordance with company guidelines and Employment Law. Liaise with Anima Care UK HR department as necessary to check that all actions are compliant with appropriate legislation.
• Oversee the provision of monthly Management Reports (and other ad-hoc reports as required) to the CEO.
• Ensure Capital Expenditure remains within budget.
• Obtain and maintain a working knowledge of all company procedures.
• Ensure that the buildings/equipment and all Anima Care UK property are maintained and kept to a reasonable standard and report immediately to the Director of Crematoria any concerns.
• Manage the consistent delivery of excellent service and instil a culture of customer service throughout the crematoria.
• Manage and ensure the compliant operation of all crematoria.
• Assist the CEO in the integration of acquired crematoria, the redevelopment and expansion of existing crematoria and the development of greenfield crematoria.
• Oversee the recruitment and development of the Senior Management team.
• Provide competent expert knowledge and skills and hands on assistance across the division in order to generate and promote a positive attitude and the adoption of Best Practice.
• Contribute to the development of the strategic direction and support the general managers in the delivery.
• Maximise the financial and operational performance of the crematoria.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners.

Who are we looking for:

• Desirable - Qualified to WAMITAB Level 4 Diploma (or equivalent) or evidence of participation in a current course in order that a diploma (or equivalent qualification) is obtained.
• Desirable - Experience of working in a healthcare waste transfer station and/or treatment facility in an operational management capacity or.
• Desirable - Experience of working in an animal by-products incineration or pet crematorium business in a management capacity.
• Desirable - Experience of Lean / six sigma qualification etc
• Experience in preparing and managing budgets including preparation of business plans.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Highly proactive and driven to succeed.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Business planning expertise.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Results driven and possessing a proven track record of delivering against targets.
• Able to communicate clearly with a range of people at different levels.
• Able to energise, shape and direct a team to maximise motivation.
• Able to support and develop staff.
• Solution focus approach.
• High degree of financial awareness and control.
• Takes responsibility for the delivery of projects and business deliverables.
• Significant experience of managerial responsibility at managerial level.
• Experience of effectively applying change management.
• Knowledge of Human Resources policies, tools and techniques.
• Experience of multi-site management.