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- Tasks: Help families with funeral arrangements and provide support during difficult times.
- Company: Join the East of England Co-op, a trusted provider of funeral services for over 90 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, flexible hours, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while developing valuable skills and gaining experience.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and empathy are key; previous experience is a plus but not required.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns to accommodate your commitments, whether you're studying or working elsewhere.
Funeral Arranger
Find out what it’s like to be part of our Funeral Team
Hear about our roles from our team, they will talk you through what it’s like to work for the East of England Co-op Funeral Services.
Come and join our team!
We have provided Funeral Services to clients and families across the East of England for over 90 years. We know that our Funeral Co-ordinators are the ‘heartbeat’ of this service as the main point of contact for our clients, families, and local communities.
You will also need to demonstrate the same professionalism when advising on other services, such as pre-payment plans and masonry.
We will fully support you in engaging with local projects and supporting important causes, helping you to establish the East of England Co-op Funeral Services and you, as an individual, in the community; our colleagues regularly tell us how rewarding this is !
Whilst previous experience of Funerals would be desirable, this isn’t essential; we’re more interested in hearing from individuals who can demonstrate that they have the personality, empathy and people skills suited to this environment. We are truly local, so whatever experience you bring to this role, you can be reassured that you will be fully supported by nearby branches and Head Office colleagues, as well as your line manager.
Want to know more? Take a look at our job description for the role here.
Our working patterns are non-contractual. Any advertised working pattern represents the normal working pattern for the role at time of advertisement and may be subject to change.
What you’ll be doing
- Provide a professional service to clients, advising on funeral services, pre-payment plans, masonry and ancillary services
- When co-ordinating a funeral service, liaise with the Funeral Director, as well as third parties (e.g. Crematorium, Minister) to ensure that this is carried out in accordance with the client’s wishes and instructions
- Efficiently complete all required administration tasks (including those required as part of financial and statutory procedures)
- Provide information about after-care services, such as our bereavement support groups
- To be responsible for the overall standard, service and compliance of the branch
- Co-ordinate and support chapel visits (either in-branch or at the local Chapel of Rest)
- Play an active role in the community, developing relationships with key stakeholders and engaging with local causes, projects and initiatives.
The person we are looking for
- Great communication and interpersonal skills
- Professional and empathetic approach
- Previous administration experience
- IT literacy
- Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
- Attention to detail (in work, as well as own conduct and presentation)
- Comfortable with lone-working
- Good knowledge of the branch’s local area
- Flexible to travel to other locations (as required)
- Please be aware all successful candidates will be subject to Identity, Financial and DBS Checks.
Perks of the job
At the East of England Co-op, we strive to be the best place to work. We invest in our colleagues to help them to progress in their careers and achieve their full potential. How do we do this?
- Competitive rates of pay
- 20% discount in our food stores, along with other discounts across our family of businesses
- 22 days holiday (plus bank holiday entitlement) which increases with service
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Death in service benefit
- Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements*
- Opportunities to grow, with award-winning training and apprenticeship programmes
- Great discounts, deals, and cashback across over 900 high street and online retailers
- Financial wellbeing support, including Wagestream®
- Access to Cycle To Work, Rental Deposit Scheme, and SmartTech (after a qualifying period)
- Employee Recognition Scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Free remote GP service, available 24/7, including prescription, fitness, nutrition, and counselling services
- Employee Assistance Programme
We recognise the challenges people face trying to balance commitments both in and out of the workplace – perhaps studying, caring commitments, or other employment. We therefore aim to be as flexible as possible, to create shift patterns that work for both our co-op and our colleagues.
* Enhanced on statutory terms, subject to service criteria.
Salary: £12.11 per hour – Total Vacancy Hours: 37.5Location: 364 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP3 8JE IP3 8JE
Funeral Arranger employer: East of England Coop
Contact Detail:
East of England Coop Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Arranger
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local community and its needs. Understanding the demographics and cultural practices in your area can help you connect better with clients and families during their time of need.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your empathy and communication skills during any interactions, whether in person or over the phone. Being able to convey compassion and understanding is crucial in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with local projects or causes that resonate with you. This not only demonstrates your commitment to the community but also helps you build relationships that could be beneficial in your role as a Funeral Arranger.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you would handle various scenarios that may arise in the role. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Arranger
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Funeral Arranger position. Understand the key responsibilities and the qualities they are looking for, such as empathy, communication skills, and attention to detail.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasize any previous administration experience, customer service roles, or community engagement activities that showcase your interpersonal skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of the funeral services industry and your passion for helping others. Use specific examples to demonstrate your empathy and professionalism, and explain why you want to work with the East of England Co-op Funeral Services.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at East of England Coop
✨Show Empathy and Professionalism
As a Funeral Arranger, your ability to connect with clients on an emotional level is crucial. During the interview, share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy in past roles, especially in challenging situations.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you have successfully communicated with clients and colleagues in previous positions, and how you can ensure clear and compassionate communication in a funeral service context.
✨Demonstrate Organizational Abilities
The role requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Provide specific examples of how you've prioritized workloads and handled administrative duties in past jobs, showcasing your attention to detail.
✨Engage with Community Involvement
Since the position involves community engagement, be ready to talk about any local projects or causes you've been involved with. This shows your commitment to the community and aligns with the values of the East of England Co-op Funeral Services.
