Bereavement Services Operations Manager - Putney

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.

• Cemeteries Manager
• Crematoria Technicians
• Crematorium Administrative Staff
• Chapel Attending and Service Staff

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• Knowledge of cremation and burial legislation and environmental compliance
• Experience with in 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…