General Manager Cemeteries - Western Region

Position: General Manager Cemeteries – Western Region
Work Location: 5005 Howard Ave., LaSalle, ON  
Hours of work: Full-time management level position (salary based on 37.5 hours per week) 
Compensation: eligible for participation in the standard benefits, vacation, and pension plans of the Diocese of London
Posting Date: 7 September 2023
Closing Date: 5 October 2023

POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, The General Manager Cemeteries (Western Region) is accountable for the management of all aspects of the operation of the seven diocesan run cemeteries in Windsor-Essex.  The GM of Cemeteries also provides assistance and guidance to the parish cemeteries within Essex and Kent counties.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• ensures the cemeteries are operated in accordance with Roman Catholic values, teachings, beliefs, policies and procedures
• leads and directs the Western Cemeteries Management Team to develop, and implement strategic and fiscally responsible business plans/programs (ex. capital and operating budgets, marketing plans, by-law review and updates, sales and expense forecasts, pricing policies, etc.) policies, procedures and operating standards while ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements
• oversees all aspects of the operation (grounds, sales and administration), for the seven diocesan run cemeteries in Windsor-Essex
• supervises the Western Region management team and is accountable for all aspects of recruitment, performance management, education, training, discipline, etc. 
• works in full cooperation and partnership with the General Manager Cemeteries (Eastern Region)
• ensures the cemeteries are in compliance with government legislation, in consultation with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) and/or legal counsel, where necessary
• assists parish cemeteries within Essex and Kent counties and works collaboratively with the Windsor-Essex Deanery
• assists in the resolution of complicated customer service situations
• respects and ensures adherence to all processes, procedures and parameters as outlined in the current Collective Agreement
• attends and participates as required at labour-management meetings, staff meetings, collective bargaining, grievance meetings, conciliation, mediation and/or arbitration meetings, etc.
• consults with and ensures cemetery compliance with the expectations, policies, procedures and best practices of the Diocesan Centre departments (i.e.  human resources, communications, finance, I.T., construction)
• ensures the successful organization, marketing and completion of monthly Masses, Cemetery Sunday and a number of other liturgical celebrations
• participates and represents the Diocese of London at cemetery operation focused meetings, seminars, conferences, etc. as required, including the annual meeting of the Catholic Cemetery Association of the Diocese of London
• performs related duties as assigned and required, as within the broad scope of this senior management level position

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
Education:

• a university degree and/or college diploma in a business-related field (i.e. funeral director, finance, accounting, business, human resources, etc.)

Experience and Aptitudes:

• a minimum of five years of experience in a senior management role
• prior supervisory and/or management experience in cemeteries, including knowledge of cemeteries legislation, is strongly preferred
• prior experience managing in a unionized environment 
• strong knowledge of legislation related to the construction industry, employment standards, labour relations, occupational health & safety and human rights
• superior verbal and written communication skills with advanced experience in negotiation, mediation and coaching
• the ability to lead and positively motivate a large and diverse team
• strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate effects and outcomes on the big picture
• the ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust through actions 
• has a faith-based understanding of the Catholic Church, its tenets and culture, along with respect for its leadership, clergy and religious

A police record check as deemed suitable by the Diocese of London will be required of the successful candidate.

Send a cover letter and resume by 5 October 2023, clearly stating your salary expectations to: infohr@dol.ca 

Reference the job title in the subject line of your email.

We thank all who apply to this position for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Diocese of London is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity and dignity in the workplace. In keeping with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we are committed to providing suitable accommodation throughout the recruitment process.  If you are contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection processes, please make your needs known at that time.