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- Tasks: Support families during funerals, from vehicle preparation to ceremonial duties.
- Company: Join R S Johnson & Sons, a compassionate funeral service provider in South Shields.
- 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 dignity and care.
- Qualifications: Empathy, reliability, and a Full UK Driving Licence are essential; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Flexible hours required, including nights and weekends; uniform and equipment provided.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 30000 £ per year.
We're looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team at R S Johnson & Sons Funeral Directors - South Shields 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.
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.
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. 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.
Funeral Service Operative in South Shields 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 South Shields
✨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, showcasing that you share their ethos.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and reliability through real-life examples. Think of situations where you've supported others in difficult times or handled sensitive matters, as these experiences will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your physical capabilities and willingness to work flexible hours. This role requires manual handling and out-of-hours support, so showing that you're ready for these demands will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Research common practices in the funeral industry, even if you have no prior experience. Being knowledgeable about the processes and cultural sensitivities involved can demonstrate your commitment to the role and readiness to learn.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Operative in South Shields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Funeral Service Operative position. Understand the key responsibilities and the qualities they are looking for, such as empathy, reliability, and professionalism.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work that demonstrates your ability to handle sensitive situations or your commitment to providing compassionate service.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your understanding of the funeral service industry and your motivation for applying. Share why you want to support families during difficult times and how your values align with those of Dignity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in this role.
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 how you can provide comfort and support to those in need.
✨Demonstrate Professionalism
Dress appropriately and maintain a calm demeanour throughout the interview. This role requires a respectful presence, so showcasing your professionalism will help convey that you're a good fit for the team.
✨Highlight Your Reliability
Discuss your ability to be flexible and reliable, especially when it comes to working outside standard hours. Share examples from past experiences where you've shown commitment and dependability.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about handling physical tasks and working with the deceased. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these responsibilities with care and respect, even if you lack direct experience.
