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- Tasks: Support families during funerals, from vehicle preparation to ceremonial duties.
- Company: Join Dignity, a trusted name in funeral services across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, training, 30-33 days leave, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by helping families through difficult times with compassion.
- Qualifications: Empathy, reliability, and a Full UK Driving Licence are essential; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Full training and support provided; be part of a caring team.
The predicted salary is between 12822 - 18000 £ per year.
Position: Funeral Service Operative
Location: Oliver and James Funeral Directors, Abingdon
Job Type: Part-Time, 19 Hours per week
Salary: £12,822.64per annum
We’re looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team at Oliver and James Funeral Directors as a Funeral Service Operative. This role offers the chance to support families at one of life’s most sensitive moments, playing a key part in delivering respectful, meaningful services that truly make a difference.
Why This Role Matters
At Dignity, we believe that every farewell should be handled with compassion, dignity, and care. Your role will ensure that families feel supported, respected, and reassured every step of the way.
The Role
You’ll support every stage of the funeral process — from preparing vehicles and venues to assisting with ceremonial duties and family interactions. This is a physically active, hands-on role that requires empathy, reliability, and a calm, respectful presence. As a representative of both your local branch and the wider Dignity Group, you’ll help maintain our trusted presence in the community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive and operate specialist vehicles (including hearses and limousines)
- Set up venues and carry out ceremonial duties, including coffin bearing
- Maintain funeral vehicles and equipment to high standards
- Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota (including nights/weekends) to support families
- Bring the deceased into our care from the place of death — including private homes, hospitals, hospices, or public spaces — under varying circumstances
- Prepare the deceased (washing, dressing, presentation) in accordance with family, religious, or cultural wishes
- Support with chapel visits and interactions with families in a calm and respectful manner
- Carry out all duties involving the deceased with the utmost care and professionalism
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and composure under pressure
- Has a respectful, caring approach when supporting both colleagues and families
- Is physically capable of manual handling tasks, including lifting and carrying
- Is comfortable working in direct contact with the deceased in a variety of conditions
- Is reliable, flexible, and able to work outside standard hours when needed
- Takes pride in presenting themselves in a professional and dignified manner
- Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
No previous funeral experience is necessary — full training, uniform, and support will be provided.
What We Offer
- A fulfilling and meaningful role supporting families in your community
- Full training and personal development opportunities
- 30 – 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Uniform and all necessary equipment provided
- Company pension and life assurance
- Access to an employee assistance programme for wellbeing support
- Annual company bonus
We wouldn’t be able to provide this essential service without the dedication of our people. If you’d like to join a compassionate team committed to delivering the highest standards of care — we’d love to hear from you.
What are the next steps?
To join us in this role, simply hit the \’apply\’ button to submit your application and a member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch!
About Us
At Dignity, we’re here for families when it matters most. With compassion, professionalism, and integrity at the heart of everything we do, we take pride in supporting people through one of life’s most difficult moments. Every member of our team plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and care to those who need us.
With over 500 funeral homes across the UK, Dignity Funerals is a trusted presence in local communities, operating under respected and well-known local names. We’re proud to offer a truly personal and attentive service — one that’s tailored to the individual needs and wishes of every family we support.
We’re also part of the wider Dignity Group, a growing organisation with the unique ability to support every aspect of end-of-life planning and care. This includes:
Our Crematoria and Memorials Group, managing 45 crematoria nationwide.
Dignity Funeral Plans, giving people peace of mind by allowing them to plan ahead.
The recently acquired Farewill, a leading provider of online wills and probate services.
Together, our goal is simple: to provide families with continuity, care, and clarity — from planning and preparation through to the funeral itself, and beyond.
FCA Statement
Please note that this role is subject to meeting regulatory requirements. As an FCA-regulated organisation, we are committed to adopting the highest standards and we do this by employing individuals with the appropriate skills, experience and integrity to protect both the company and our clients. If you are considered for a role, you will be providing your permission for us to conduct the relevant checks and assessments that will be carried out during the recruitment and onboarding process. The nature of the checks will depend on whether the role is subject to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Our Vision is to connect with our clients, colleagues, company and communities based on our principles whilst celebrating our differences.
We aim to empower leaders and colleagues to seek out and understand new voices and perspectives; to be vocal about inequity and exclusion, and to take decisive, informed and bold action to promote inclusion and belonging.
Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.
We reserve the right depending on application numbers to close or extend the closing dates for positions; we would therefore recommend an early application.
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Funeral Service Operative employer: Dignity
Contact Detail:
Dignity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the values and mission of Dignity. Understanding their commitment to compassion and professionalism will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showing that you truly resonate with their ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and reliability in any interactions you have with the team or during the application process. Share personal experiences where you've supported others in difficult situations, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your physical capabilities and willingness to work flexible hours. This role requires manual handling and out-of-hours support, so showcasing your readiness to meet these demands will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
If possible, visit a local funeral home or speak to someone in the industry to gain insights into the day-to-day responsibilities. This knowledge can help you ask informed questions during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and qualities required for a Funeral Service Operative, such as empathy, reliability, and professionalism.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any experience in customer service or roles requiring compassion and care, even if it's not directly related to funerals.
Craft a Thoughtful Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your understanding of the sensitive nature of the role. Share why you are passionate about supporting families during difficult times and how your personal values align with the company's mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and professional. A polished application shows attention to detail and respect for the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dignity
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
In this role, you'll be supporting families during a sensitive time. Make sure to express your understanding of the emotional weight of the job and share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to handle such situations with care.
✨Demonstrate Professionalism
Dress appropriately for the interview, as first impressions matter. Show that you take pride in your appearance and understand the importance of professionalism in this line of work.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific scenarios, such as interacting with grieving families or managing physical tasks. Think through your responses in advance to show that you're ready for the hands-on nature of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that reflect your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about training opportunities or how the team supports each other, which shows your commitment to being part of a compassionate team.
