Manager of Cemeteries

The Manager of Cemeteries provides leadership and oversight for the operation of seven cemetery properties and the Dedication Centre. This includes the sale and delivery of cemetery services coordination of burials and interments cemetery maintenance memorialization services legislative compliance financial administration budgeting and service planning. The Manager also supports non-municipal cemeteries with the completion of burials ensuring services are coordinated and delivered in a respectful accurate and compliant manner.

(Temporary Full Time for Approximately 24 Months)

Cemetery Operations

• Leads the development implementation and ongoing review of process improvements standard operating procedures workflows and service standards for cemetery administrative functions; coordinates with the Supervisor Cemeteries to support consistent procedures operational efficiencies and continuous improvement across outdoor operations maintenance activities and service delivery.
• Oversees the review of memorial documentation to confirm completeness accuracy and alignment with cemetery records and requirements.

Supervision

• Directly supervises the work of one Supervisor Cemeteries; three full-time and two part-time Cemetery Clerks; and part-time Cemetery Dedication Centre Facilitators with responsibility for interviewing and selection orientation and training direction and guidance and performance management.
• Oversees the accuracy integrity and maintenance of cemetery records databases maps interment rights records service documentation and related corporate records in accordance with City policies legislative requirements and privacy obligations.
  Provides direction and oversight for cemetery-related administrative activities including payroll accounts receivable accounts payable and bank deposits
• Works with software developers vendors and internal technology partners to ensure cemetery software systems meet operational and service delivery needs; coordinates updates and system improvements troubleshoots issues and escalates technical concerns as required.
• Provides direction and recommends action to staff on health and safety issues and ensures that Occupational Health and Safety Act its regulations and other related legislation is followed.

Financial Responsibility

• Prepares reviews and analyzes cemetery-related reports statistics trends service volumes revenues expenditures and operational data to support decision-making budget planning regulatory reporting and continuous improvement.
• Leads and supports capital planning and asset management for cemetery infrastructure equipment grounds facilities and related assets including identifying lifecycle needs developing budget recommendations prioritizing repairs and replacements and coordinating approved capital improvements.
• Reviews verifies and coordinates documentation submitted for cemetery reservations transfers of interment rights and issuance of refunds ensuring information is complete accurate properly authorized and processed in accordance with City procedures and applicable cemetery requirements.
• Prepares journal entries for transfers from pre-need trust fund accounts to revenue accounts and completes annual financial reports related to trust funds and care and maintenance funds for submission to the Bereavement Authority of Ontario.

Customer Service and Other Duties

• Meets with families religious groups cultural leaders community organizations and other cemetery clients to understand and respond to diverse cultural religious interment and memorialization needs; arranges services and supports planning for the development of cemetery sections.
• Coordinates Dedication Centre bookings and cemetery-related events including major annual services such as the end-of-year memorial service.
• Responds to public inquiries requests complaints and concerns that are escalated from front-line staff.
• Performs operational duties in the absence of the Supervisor Cemeteries.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Minimum 3-year degree or diploma in a related field.

• Minimum 4 years of related and relevant experience.

Applicants will be considered if a combination of their education and experience meets the following pre-determined skill equivalency:

• 2-year diploma (or 2-year Specialized Post-Secondary Program) with minimum 7 years related and relevant experience OR
• 4-Year Honours Degree with minimum 2 years related and relevant experience

• Knowledge of cemetery operations and related operational policy and procedures
  
• Knowledge of the Funeral Burial and Cremation Services Act AODA OHSA municipal by-laws and related legislation
  
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
  Leadership skills to develop motivate and coach staff.
  
• Financial skills to prepare and manage budgets and monitor revenue and expenses.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to respond to inquiries concerns or complaints.
  
• Problem solving skills to resolve issues with clients and maintain positive relationships.
  
• Organizational and time management skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  
• Proficient in MS Office financial systems and cemetery management software.
  
• Ability to respond to emotionally charged situations in a professional manner.
  
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation.
  
• Ability to evaluate market trends and current business practices to make recommendations for improvements.
  
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.