The Bereavement Services Operations Manager will be responsible for the effective management, coordination, and continuous improvement of all operational activities within Enable’s Putney Vale, Bereavement Services. This includes crematorium operations, cemetery services (managed day to day by the cemeteries manager), chapel service delivery, memorial provision, and administrative support functions. This is a senior operational leadership role within a sensitive, public-facing environment. The postholder will ensure all services are delivered safely, compliantly, and to the highest standards of dignity, compassion, and professionalism. The role carries direct responsibility for multiple operational teams and acts as the senior operational lead across the site.
Reporting Lines and Management Responsibility
- Cemeteries Manager
- Crematoria Technicians
- Crematorium Administrative Staff
- Chapel Attending and Service Staff
Main Duties/Responsibilities
Service Operations, Lead the daily operational delivery of cremation, burial, chapel, and memorial services across the site
Supported by the cemeteries manager and our small bereavement teams, ensure cremations and burials are carried out in accordance with legislation, guidance, and local procedures
Oversee service scheduling, chapel usage, and operational coordination to ensure smooth service delivery
Act as senior operational contact for incidents, service disruption, and complex operational matters
Leadership and Staff Management
- Provide visible and effective leadership across all operational teams, promoting consistent service standards and collaborative working practices.
- Manage performance, attendance, conduct, and development of reporting staff
- Ensure staffing structures, rotas, and operational cover are appropriate to meet service demands.
- Promote a respectful, supportive, and professional working culture aligned with bereavement service values
Compliance, Safety and Risk
- Ensure full compliance with cremation regulations, burial legislation, environmental permits, and health and safety law and obligations to Wandsworth Council.
- Develop, review and maintain risk assessments, method statements, audits, and incident & near miss reporting
- Ensure safe working practices for staff, contractors, and the public
- Support inspections, audits, and regulatory reviews as required
Customer Care and Stakeholder Liaison
- Ensure bereaved families receive a consistently high standard of care, sensitivity, and professionalism
- Manage relationships with funeral directors, officiants, clergy, celebrants, suppliers, and contractors
- Take responsibility for handling complex enquiries, complaints, and service concerns
Financial and Resource Management
- Support budget oversight, resource planning, and cost-effective service delivery
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service resilience
- Contribute to service planning, development initiatives, and performance monitoring.
Site Standards
- Ensure buildings, chapels, crematory areas, cemeteries, and grounds are clean, safe, and appropriately presented, ensuring any incidents, near misses and other concerns are reported appropriately, in good time, and followed up.
- Oversee contractors and suppliers to ensure quality, value, and compliance
Qualifications
- We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Bereavement Operations Manager to join our Putney Vale Crematorium team at Enable!, A recognised Cremation Technician qualification (e.g. CTTS or equivalent)
- Proven experience in managing operational services within a regulated or public-facing environment
- Demonstrable experience leading or managing multiple teams or functions
- Strong understanding of the need for dignity, accuracy, and professionalism in bereavement services
- Ability to make sound operational decisions in complex or sensitive situations
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, stakeholders, and members of the public.
Desirable Requirements
- Knowledge of cremation and burial legislation and environmental compliance
- Experience within a local authority or similarly accountable organisation
- Experience of managing budgets, income streams, or service performance
Enable is a charity dedicated to improving people’s wellbeing and strengthening local communities. We work with councils, charities and other local organisations to deliver health, leisure, community services and events that enrich people’s lives and strengthen our local community.
On top of a competitive salary and flexible working environment, employees will also receive,
- 30 days of annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
- Life Insurance
- Reward Schemes (RewardHub Membership, wellbeing budgets and cycle to work)
- A variety of social and wellbeing activities each month
- Mental Health & Wellbeing Perks (Monthly talks, Wellbeing Hour, etc)
- Gym Membership
Enable is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. To find out more on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.
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