Published 2025-10-30. Modified 2025-11-06.
Manager - Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground
Location: North Essex
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground is seeking an exceptional Manager to lead and develop our award-winning site, ensuring its continued success as a place of care, compassion, and environmental responsibility. This is a rare opportunity to combine business leadership with community service, environmental stewardship, and the support of families at one of the UK's most respected natural burial grounds.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day operations, strategic direction, and future growth of Old Park Meadow. This is a hands-on role where you will balance commercial awareness with empathy and care. You will move seamlessly between leading the team, managing finances, supporting families, liaising with funeral directors, and ensuring the site is maintained to the highest standards.
Business Leadership - Managing budgets, P&L, pricing, and marketing; driving new opportunities to grow the business while staying true to our values. Community & Networking - Building strong relationships with funeral directors, hospices, care providers, and local groups; raising awareness through events and partnerships. Team Leadership - Leading, mentoring, and supporting a small, dedicated team; managing contractors; ensuring consistent standards of excellence. Customer Care - Supporting families with empathy and sensitivity, ensuring funerals and ceremonies are delivered with dignity and compassion. Operations & Compliance - Overseeing site maintenance and development; ensuring compliance with regulations and health & safety standards. Finance & Reporting - Monitoring performance, preparing budgets, authorising costs, and reporting to the Managing Director.
Innovation & Development - Introducing new initiatives such as bereavement cafés, support groups, and environmental projects to strengthen our community presence. About You
We are looking for a commercially astute, people-focused leader who can combine strategic vision with operational delivery. You will bring:
Proven experience in managing or leading a small business, project, or operational site.
Strong financial and budget management skills.
Experience of marketing, advertising, and community networking.
The ability to inspire, develop, and support a team.
Excellent decision-making, organisational, and IT skills.
A genuine passion for people, natural environments, and sustainability.
The ability to demonstrate empathy, care, and sensitivity when working with bereaved families.
Experience in the funeral profession is helpful but not essential - what matters most is your ability to lead with heart while driving the growth and success of Old Park Meadow. Why Join Us
This is more than just a management role - it is the chance to:
Shape the future of a respected natural burial ground.
Lead a small, dedicated, and compassionate team.
Make a real difference to families at a difficult time.
Balance business leadership with community service and environmental responsibility. Apply Today
If you have the vision, drive, and compassion to succeed in this unique role, we would love to hear from you.
No agencies please
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