Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families during funerals, from vehicle preparation to ceremonial duties.
- Company: Join Dignity, a trusted name in compassionate funeral services across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-33 days annual leave, full training, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by helping families through difficult times with care and respect.
- Qualifications: Empathy, reliability, and a Full UK Driving Licence are essential; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Flexible hours required, including nights and weekends; all necessary equipment provided.
The predicted salary is between 20600 - 29500 £ per year.
Location: Exeter, Mitchell Funeral Services.
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: £25,652 per annum
We are looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team at Mitchell Funeral Services, Exeter, 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 will 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 will 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 are 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
- 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 would like to join a compassionate team committed to delivering the highest standards of care - we would 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 are 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.
We are 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.
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.
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.
Funeral Service Operative in Exeter employer: Dignity Funerals Limited
Contact Detail:
Dignity Funerals Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Operative in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its customs. Understanding the cultural and religious practices in Exeter can help you connect better with families during their difficult times, showing that you respect their traditions.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and reliability in your interactions. Whether it's through volunteering or simply being present for friends in tough times, showcasing your compassionate nature can set you apart as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the physical demands of the role by staying active. Engaging in regular physical activity will not only help you manage the manual handling tasks but also show your commitment to being fit for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the funeral service industry. Attend local events or join online forums to learn more about the role and make connections that could provide valuable insights or recommendations when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Operative in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Funeral Service Operative. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Showcase Empathy and Professionalism: In your application, emphasise your ability to handle sensitive situations with compassion and professionalism. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention any skills that align with the job description, such as manual handling capabilities, driving experience, or any previous roles that required a calm and respectful presence.
Personalise Your Application: Address your application to the hiring team at Mitchell Funeral Services and express why you are specifically interested in working with them. A personal touch can make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dignity Funerals Limited
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
In this role, you'll be supporting families during a very sensitive time. Make sure to express your understanding of the emotional weight of the job and demonstrate your ability to handle such situations with care and respect.
✨Highlight Your Reliability
Reliability is key in this position, especially since it involves being on-call and working outside standard hours. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past where you've shown dependability and flexibility.
✨Demonstrate Physical Capability
This job requires physical strength for tasks like lifting and carrying. Be ready to talk about any relevant experiences that showcase your physical fitness and ability to handle manual tasks.
✨Prepare for Questions About Handling the Deceased
Since the role involves direct contact with the deceased, be prepared to answer questions about your comfort level with this aspect of the job. It's important to convey your professionalism and calmness in such situations.
