At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage funeral operations and provide support to families during difficult times.
- Company: Join Oliver and James Funeral Directors, a respected name in compassionate care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful profession that values empathy and community support.
- Qualifications: Experience in a similar role is essential; compassion and communication skills are key.
- Other info: This position offers 38.33 hours per week, providing a stable work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 29644 - 37000 £ per year.
Position: Funeral Director
Location: Oliver and James Funeral Directors, Abingdon
Job Type: 38.33 Hours per week
Salary: £29,644 per annum
We\’re looking for an experienced and compassionate individual to join our team as a Funeral Director at Oliver and James. You\’ll oversee funeral operations and ensure every service is delivered to the highest standard, while supporting families through one of life\’s most challenging moments. As a representative of both the local brand and the wider Dignity Group, you\’ll also play an important role in engaging with the local community and building trusted relationships.
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
As a Funeral Director, you\’ll lead on the day of the funeral, coordinating teams and managing all aspects of service delivery. You will act as a guide for families, a leader to colleagues, and a representative of Dignity\’s values within your community. 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:
- Lead and conduct funeral services in a dignified, respectful, and professional manner
- Support families with empathy and guidance throughout the funeral process
- Coordinate with arrangers, operatives, ministers/celebrants, and venues to ensure smooth execution of services
- Ensure funeral vehicles, staff, and ceremonial elements are prepared and meet required standards
- Oversee funeral logistics on the day, including timings, team direction, and venue setup
- Assist with coffin preparation, handling of the deceased, and chapel duties where required
- Provide leadership and mentoring to less experienced team members
- Support with local community engagement and promotion of the brand you represent
- Uphold health and safety, compliance, and professional standards at all times
About You
We\’re looking for someone who:
- Experienced in funeral service operations and conducting funerals
- Demonstrates excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
- Calm under pressure with a respectful, compassionate approach to service
- Physically capable of manual handling tasks, including coffin bearing
- Comfortable with direct contact with the deceased in varying circumstances
- Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
- Willing to work flexibly, including weekends and on-call duties as required
What We Offer
- A meaningful role supporting families when they need it most
- Full training and development, including Funeral Plan Consultancy
- Uniform and all necessary equipment provided
- 30 – 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Company pension, employee assistance programme, and life assurance
We wouldn\’t be able to provide this essential service without our people. If you\’d like to be part of a compassionate team dedicated to delivering the highest standards of care – we\’d love to hear from you.
What are the next steps?
If this sounds like the next step in your career and you\’re ready to support families and lead with professionalism, simply hit the \’apply\’ button. A member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
About Us
We are Dignity, one of the UK\’s oldest and most trusted funeral providers, with over 200 years of history, 570 branches, and 46 crematoria. From launching the UK\’s first funeral plan to helping shape modern regulation, we have led the way in supporting families with care, compassion, and professionalism.
Now we are building the UK\’s leading end of life company. As part of the Dignity Group, we also operate Farewill, the country\’s largest will writer and one of the UK\’s top probate providers, giving families support not just at the funeral, but before and after as well.
Today we are over 4,000 people across the UK, all driven by the same goal: to care for families with compassion and make the UK a world leader in end of life care. Here to help, whenever you need.
FCA Statement
We\’re regulated by the FCA, so some roles may be subject to background checks
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We know that diverse teams make better decisions, build better products, and create a better place to work. Whoever you are, wherever you\’re from, and whatever your life looks like, we\’d love to hear from you. And if there\’s anything you need to make the process more accessible, please let us know
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.
Funeral Director employer: Dignity Funerals Limited
Contact Detail:
Dignity Funerals Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Director
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its customs regarding funerals. Understanding the cultural nuances can help you connect better with families during their time of need.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other professionals in the funeral industry. Attend local events or join relevant associations to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your compassion and empathy in conversations. When you meet potential employers or colleagues, share your experiences that highlight your ability to support grieving families.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Oliver and James Funeral Directors specifically. Understand their values and services, and be prepared to discuss how your skills align with their mission during any interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Funeral Director. Highlight your experience in overseeing funeral operations and your ability to support families during difficult times.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience in the funeral industry or similar roles. Emphasise your compassion, organisational skills, and any certifications that are pertinent to the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your empathy and understanding of the role. Share specific examples of how you've supported families in the past and why you want to work at Oliver and James Funeral Directors.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in this profession.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dignity Funerals Limited
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
As a Funeral Director, you'll be dealing with grieving families. It's crucial to demonstrate your ability to empathise and provide compassionate support during the interview. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported families in difficult times.
✨Understand Funeral Operations
Make sure you have a solid understanding of funeral operations and the logistics involved. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage various aspects of a funeral service, including planning, coordination, and execution. This shows that you're knowledgeable and ready for the role.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Having thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers can set you apart. Ask about the company's approach to customer service or how they support their staff in handling emotional situations. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Dress Appropriately
First impressions matter, especially in a role that requires professionalism and sensitivity. Dress in smart, professional attire that reflects the seriousness of the position. This will help convey your respect for the role and the families you will serve.