Job Description

GREEN WILLOW FUNERALS

WE ARE HIRING

Deputy Managing Director

Permanent Full Time

Based at all the GWF sites.

We have an exciting new opportunity for a

Deputy Managing Director

with Green Willow Funerals.

Established for over 25 years, with 6 dedicated funeral directors, we are one of the largest funeral directors in South Wales, operating from 5 locations in Cardiff, Dinas Powys, and Newport. As a social enterprise, we donate our profits to our charity commission-registered Shareholder, Cardiff YMCA (1910) Trust, which grants donations to fund local community projects in the area. We seek a highly skilled and motivated Deputy Managing Director to join our dynamic team.

Objectives of the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Deputy Managing Director to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of the funeral industry and a passion for delivering exceptional service. As Deputy Managing Director, you will collaborate closely with the Managing Director, HR Manager, and Finance Manager, and will be a vital member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to the strategic oversight and ongoing development of Green Willow Funerals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Collaboration:

Work closely with the Managing Director

(MD) and HR Manager to promote and uphold the culture and core values of the company. Provide strong

line management

to the operational team, driving performance against KPIs and fostering a positive, results-oriented work environment. Collaborate with Senior Management Team (SMT) members across various departments to ensure alignment with business goals and strategic initiatives.

Operational Performance and Reporting:

Produce

weekly performance reports

, analysing company and competitor data, funeral numbers, KPIs, and other relevant metrics. Monitor and evaluate company performance to ensure compliance with

regulatory and occupational standards

. Publish and manage the

weekly work schedule

for funeral arrangements, staffing, vehicle allocation, officiants, and service requirements.

Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement:

Partner with the MD and Finance Manager to develop

operational business plans

that align with the company's budget and long-term strategic goals. Ensure annual

compliance audits

are conducted in collaboration with the HR Manager to maintain Health & Safety standards across all departments. Conduct

market research

to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, presenting strategic insights to the SMT.

Staff Development and Performance Management:

Champion

continuous professional development

, creating and overseeing tailored training programs for Funeral Directors and Funeral Service Operatives (FSOs). Lead

performance management reviews

for team members, identifying skills gaps and providing constructive feedback to support employee growth. Work with HR to create and deliver

in-house training programs

, ensuring effective onboarding and ongoing development of the operational team.

Vendor and Contract Management:

Support the

Finance Manager

and MD in evaluating vendor and contractor performance, ensuring quality and cost-efficiency in all service areas. Monitor fleet vehicle performance and ensure operational readiness, safety, and compliance.

Operational Efficiency and Documentation:

Collaborate with the

Mortuary Operations Manager

to evaluate and improve working practices, policies, and procedures, ensuring continuous efficiency and time management. Review and ensure the

accurate and timely submission

of funeral documentation and invoicing to prevent financial discrepancies.

Funeral Director Duties:

Take on

Funeral Director responsibilities

as required, providing hands-on leadership and direct client service when needed. Perform Funeral Director responsibilities as required, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, empathy, and service quality. Uphold and represent the values and ethos of Green Willows Funerals. Take part in the On-call rota to monitor and understand the process of GWF On-call.

Requirements

Experience & Leadership

Minimum 5 years of managerial experience. At least 5 years as a Funeral Director (FD). Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage multidisciplinary teams. Capable of deputising for the Managing Director and supporting strategic development.

Operational Expertise

In-depth knowledge of UK funeral procedures, documentation, and regulations. Skilled in workload prioritisation and business organisation. Strong problem-solving abilities and task completion drive.

Communication & Collaboration

Excellent verbal, written, and digital communication skills. Professional, diplomatic, and empathetic approach with clients and colleagues. Effective liaison with Coroners Officers, bereavement services, and external partners.

Personal Attributes

Calm under pressure; thrives in team environments. Collaborative team player with leadership presence. Skilled in liaising with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders. Committed to equal opportunities and inclusive practices. Emotionally intelligent and client-focused during bereavement. Upholds and represents the ethos of Green Willow Funerals. Punctual, reliable, and detail-oriented.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays (Increasing after 5 years' service)

Pension

Company Sick pay

Development and training

Simply Health - cashback scheme

Green Willow Funerals is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person