About Us:
We create extraordinary experiences. We create memories, we take care of our shared heritage. This means careers where we have to innovate and always push for better, and where your perspective is always valued. This is a world where we bring together our love for the natural environment and our care for one another to make a real difference. This is a world where you'll discover something new, every day.
We create extraordinary experiences. We create memories, we take care of our shared heritage. This means careers where we have to innovate and always push for better, and where your perspective is always valued. This is a world where we bring together our love for the natural environment and our care for one another to make a real difference. This is a world where you'll discover something new every day.
As an organisation, our culture may challenge your expectations. We are values-driven and innovative, and we lead our sector while remaining focused on continuous improvement. We provide an essential service by managing iconic locations and always putting our customers first.
Working in our Operations team, you will help maintain and present unique open spaces across Melbourne. This is a permanent role with opportunities to learn, grow, and build a rewarding career.
The Role:
We are looking for an experienced Operations Leader to join us in a full-time, permanent role, overseeing our Burials operations. In this position, you will lead and support operational crews to ensure the safe, respectful, and high-quality delivery of burial services across our sites.
This is a hands-on leadership role that balances daily planning and logistics with a strong on-ground presence. You will coordinate workloads, support teams through complex and time-sensitive services, and maintain high standards of presentation and customer experience. As a confident and practical leader, you will guide your teams through busy and often unpredictable days.
Additionally, you will:
*
o Provide frontline leadership to ensure burial operations are delivered safely and efficiently
* Lead, motivate, and support teams in a high-pressure, customer-facing environment
* Coordinate daily work planning, crew allocation, and logistics across multiple locations
* Embed a strong safety culture through proactive leadership of health, safety, and wellbeing
* Lead employee performance processes, including setting expectations, feedback, and development
* Support team capability by identifying skill gaps and coordinating training and required certifications
* Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth and respectful service delivery
* Contribute to operational improvements and broader projects
Your Profile:
You are a confident, visible leader who thrives in an operational environment where no two days are the same. You are comfortable making decisions, having difficult conversations when required, and building strong relationships with a diverse workforce.
Additionally, you bring:
*
o Proven experience leading operational teams in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with multiple departments
* A practical understanding of safe work practices and a strong commitment to OH&S
* The ability to stay calm under pressure and manage competing priorities
* A hands-on leadership style, with a willingness to be out on site supporting your teams
* A genuine interest in developing people and improving the way work is done
What's on Offer:
We offer a fulfilling career with exceptional personal and professional growth opportunities, along with a comprehensive range of benefits:
*
o Access to Leadership and Development Programs to foster professional growth and advancement.
* Employee Health, Wellbeing and Assistance Programs including complimentary onsite physio services.
* Flexible working arrangements.
* Immediate access to unpaid parental leave and a short waiting period of only three months for paid parental leave, applicable to both full-time and part-time employees.
* The opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
* Discounts available at our employee café and onsite florists.
Don't meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply – your unique strengths might be just what we need.
We care for our colleagues and the community we serve. To protect one another it is a requirement that all successful candidates complete background checks.
If you have any access requirements which restrict you from fully participating in our recruitment process, please contact so that we can discuss necessary adjustments.
We're reviewing applications as they come in and may remove this ad early once the position is filled, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
For more information on Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, please visit our website:
SMCT is an equal opportunity employer and a Diversity Council Australia Member.