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 are 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 needed, 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, planning, directing, and coordinating contractors, and implementing cemetery regulations. Ensure that all administrative duties are conducted in accordance with regulations and methods as specified by the department, including legal requirements and professional Codes of Practice. Ensure all work is carried out with 100% accuracy and with a methodical approach. 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 and their implications. 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 you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, contributing to making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realizes its potential as a great place to live, work, and play, benefiting everyone. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this: Work Together as one team - Champion and inspire a culture of collaboration for excellent outcomes in Reading. Drive Efficiency - Create an environment where resources are used efficiently, and skills are developed effectively. Be Ambitious - Aspire to deliver excellence and support others to reach their potential. Make a Difference to Reading - Focus on the customer and embrace change as an opportunity. About you You’ll be required to work some weekends, evenings, and Bank Holidays 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 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. Experience in an open spaces environment in a supervisory capacity with grounds maintenance/gravedigging/stone masonry or related skills. Experience in a customer-facing environment. Compassionate communication with bereaved people, showing understanding and cultural awareness. Smart appearance for public interactions, meetings, or 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 opportunities for innovation and collaboration. A competitive salary alongside benefits including: Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with options to buy additional leave. Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for LGPS members). Kennet Day Nursery at the Civic Offices, rated outstanding by Ofsted. Season Ticket Loan for travel to and from work. Lease car salary sacrifice scheme for a new, greener car, with included insurance, servicing, and road tax. For more information on this position, please contact Brenda Ellis - Bereavement Services Operation Manager at brenda.ellisreading.gov.uk Closing Date: Sunday 19th January 2025 Interview Date: TBA Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.