At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to provide exceptional service in a meaningful role.
- Company: Join one of the largest independent crematoria operators in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, 33 days holiday, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in business management; compassion and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35800 - 42000 £ per year.
Working flexibly, 5 days per week which will include regular weekends, evenings and early mornings on a rota basis. 40 hours per week. Our core operating hours are between 6am - 10pm daily, so the ability to work flexibly across 5 days of the week will be required.
£35,800 - £42,000 per annum + Company performance bonus + Benefits. Permanent role at Mercia Forest Crematorium.
Have you always wanted to use your transferable leadership skills in a role where what you do can truly make a difference every day? Would you enjoy leading a close-knit team with a sense of camaraderie not found in a generic job? If so, we would love to hear from you!
We are one of the largest independent operators of crematoria in the UK, supported by almost 500 empathetic and dedicated individuals and we are growing. Like many of our employees, you might not have considered our industry before; however, with ongoing growth and passionate collaborative colleagues, you will find it one of the most varied and rewarding opportunities you could ever imagine.
The role involves leading one of our sites, providing a crucial service to the local communities that we serve. You will have full ownership of the site's management, including day-to-day operations, performance and P&L. Alongside developing your team and shaping a culture that reflects our values, you'll help maintain our reputation for quality and exceptional care and build strong relationships with families and Funeral Directors who rely on our expertise when it matters most.
Your ideas and creativity will also help shape the individuality of your site. Some of our Crematorium Managers have implemented bee hives, wildflower meadows, animal habitats, regular quiz nights and coffee mornings to name but a few! We combine strong commercial awareness with a deeply caring approach, ensuring every decision supports both the future sustainability of our services and that families are at the heart of everything we do.
When you join us, it's an opportunity to be a part of something truly meaningful and significant.
Additional detail about the role:
- People: Lead the site team to deliver best in class service to the bereaved and funeral director partners. Manage site team in all aspects of day-to-day activity including monitoring performance in relation to KPIs and budget, ongoing development, and recruitment. Collaborative working and communication with all support functions. Role model for our vision, values and leadership behaviours.
- Quality: Deliver the highest standards of quality in compliance and services, ensuring all services adhere to Westerleigh standards, policy and relevant legislation. Maintenance and development of cemetery, liaising with grave diggers and grounds teams to ensure burials are carried out to the highest standard (for sites with cemetery). Contribute to innovation and improved practice for site and within the wider division. Monitor customer feedback. Deliver the highest standards of health and safety.
- Business: Responsibility for the P&L and commercial performance of your site. Drive improvements in volume through active pursuit of new opportunities and building relationships both in and out of normal catchment area. Optimise the efficient use of site staff, facilities equipment, supplies, consumables and support services. Contribute to annual pricing and budgeting activities and manage the processes for the site. Develop and nurture relationships with external stakeholders and customers including Funeral Directors and local community individuals/groups to develop new/additional business and promote the Westerleigh and site brand. Support group projects as required. Ensure facilities, buildings and grounds are maintained and are fit for purpose. Work with Facilities to ensure routine and CAPEX site projects are implemented. Promote and support the Westerleigh Group memorial strategy. Competency in all aspects of technical expectations regarding crematory & Cemetery (if applicable) operations including the compliance and legal obligations.
Supporting the team with their duties when required:
- Chapel: Welcoming families & Funeral Directors and ensuring things run smoothly.
- Cremation: You'll be fully trained and work towards an accredited FBCA qualification. Involved in the end to end cremation process and ashes management. You'll need to be able bodied as there will be manual handling involved in this process.
- Ad hoc work: e.g. a Christmas service or making sure the site is tidy and presentable.
This role requires flexibility and pulling together as one team to support each other and provide the exceptional care and service that we are known for.
About you: An experienced Business Manager and leader of people who loves to develop people and continue learning new things. Must have commercial acumen and experience of working with financials including managing site P&L. Bereavement sector experience e.g. Funeral Director / Crematorium Manager / Site Manager or similar would be beneficial but not essential. Strong people management skills & experience of business management from any industry (many of our Managers have joined from Retail / Hospitality / Care for example and worked as a Retail Manager / Store Manager / Operations Manager / General Manager / Branch Manager / Care Manager) then we can teach you all you need to know about our uniquely personal industry. A real team player with natural compassion and the desire to make a difference every day. Confident communicator able to speak to people in a caring and empathetic manner. Ability to build strong relationships with customers and the local community, marketing your site to raise awareness of what we do. Some occasional travel will be required for training, and you will undertake extensive training at your site but also at some of our other local sites with experienced Site Managers. Good IT skills.
What We Offer: If you would like to join the Westerleigh team, you can be sure of a warm welcome, ongoing training and development and a sense of pride by truly making a difference every day to the families that we serve. No two days are the same and many of our Managers have developed their careers within the business. The values we champion are Safety First, Exceptional Care, Uniquely Personal and One Team. In addition to salary, you will also be eligible for the following benefits: Company performance bonus, 33 days holiday (Includes 8 days).
Crematorium Manager in Birmingham employer: Westerleigh Group
Contact Detail:
Westerleigh Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Crematorium Manager in Birmingham
✨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 think about how your leadership skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity! Think of unique ideas that could enhance the crematorium experience, like community events or eco-friendly initiatives. Presenting these during interviews can demonstrate your passion and innovative thinking.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to the exceptional care we provide.
We think you need these skills to ace Crematorium Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We want to see how you've led teams and made a difference in your previous roles, especially in environments where empathy and care are key.
Be Personal and Authentic: This role is all about connecting with families and providing exceptional care. Use your application to share personal stories or experiences that showcase your compassion and ability to build relationships.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their background with our values and mission.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this meaningful opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westerleigh Group
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Crematorium Manager. Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day operations, the importance of quality service, and how to manage a team effectively. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Crematorium Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to develop people and foster a positive work environment. This will demonstrate that you can create the camaraderie they value.
✨Emphasise Your Compassionate Communication
In this role, you'll be dealing with bereaved families, so showcasing your empathetic communication skills is key. Think of instances where you've had to communicate sensitively or handle difficult situations. This will illustrate your ability to connect with families and Funeral Directors in a caring manner.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's values, team dynamics, and how they support their staff. This shows that you're not just interested in the job but also in being part of a team that aligns with your own values.