Operations Director
Reading
Operations Director
AB Walker, an independent family-owned funeral business is seeking a full-time, experienced and empathetic Operations Director to coordinate the delivery of our day-to-day operations and deliver excellent customer care alongside growth, innovation and efficiency.
We are dedicated to providing practical, compassionate, personalised and professional funeral and memorial solutions to families across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. The Operations Director will play a pivotal role in leading a small management team that coordinates our funeral arranger and funeral operative groups across nine sites. We are looking for a natural leader who can flex, with ease, between hands-on management or operational action and the delivery of fresh perspectives and solutions to strategic issues.
This individual will work closely within the senior leadership team which includes the fifth-generation owner, to build and deliver longer term strategic objectives and will require a deep understanding of the sensitive nature of our industry.
Key responsibilities
Business development
- Identify opportunities to expand the business’s reach and client base through community engagement and partnerships
- Implement marketing strategies to promote services and increase visibility
- Represent the business at local events, networking opportunities, and industry gatherings
- Build and maintain relationships with local organisations, care providers, and other key stakeholders.
Operations management
- Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, logistics, and facility management
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards
- Manage vendor relationships and oversee procurement of supplies and services.
Staff leadership
- Supervise, mentor and empower a team of managers and deputy managers that coordinate the delivery of our core services
- Accountable for staff scheduling to ensure adequate coverage for services and operations
- Conduct annual performance evaluations, monthly one-to-one meetings and provide training opportunities to maintain a focused, skilled and motivated team.
Customer service
- Uphold the highest standards of compassion and professionalism in interactions with families and clients
- Address customer concerns promptly and ensure satisfaction with services provided.
Financial oversight
- Collaborate to develop and monitor budgets
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency.
Strategic planning
- Work with the senior leadership team, the board of directors and external organisations to establish and deliver long-term goals and growth strategies
- Identify and implement improvements in processes and workflows
- Oversee the implementation of change to processes, including IT projects
- Monitor industry trends to ensure the business remains competitive and innovative.
Qualifications
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field (preferred)
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, with experience in the funeral industry strongly preferred
- Proven leadership and team management experience.
Skills and attributes
- Exceptional organisational and multitasking abilities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- High level of emotional intelligence and sensitivity
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Ability to adapt and problem-solve in a dynamic pressured environment.
Why join us?
- Be part of a close-knit team representing 200 years of heritage, with an enviable reputation dedicated to making a meaningful impact on those we serve
- Enjoy the opportunity to influence and improve processes, optimising the delivery of traditional products and services and innovating to meet the needs of our future customers
- Competitive salary and benefits package is available on application.
How to apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their full resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and specific interest in the position to [email protected]. Please include “Operations Director Application” in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest.
AB Walker is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.
Working at AB Walker
We are a diverse group with a wide mixture of backgrounds, ages and skills. We share the common goal of delivering the very best funeral and memorial services in a caring and professional way.
About AB Walker
We are an independent, family owned and run funeral director. We’ve spent nearly 200 years helping people arrange funerals with care, compassion and understanding.