Funeral Operations Team Leader (FSO Level Three) in Gloucester

Position: Funeral Operations Team Leader

If the following job requirements and experience match your skills, please ensure you apply promptly.
Location: Philip Ford & Son Funeral Directors, Stroud
Job Type: 38.33 Hours per week
Salary: £29,159.93 per annum + on-call payments
We're looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team as a Funeral Operations Team Leader (FSO Level 3). 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.
You'll support your team through training and mentoring, stay up to date with all training requirements for the role and be the main point of contact for all Funeral Service Operatives within your branch and team. Conducting regular one-to-ones, team meetings and supporting the Funeral Director within your branch.
Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Care Centre Manager/Service Delivery Lead and lead with diary coordination.
• Oversee the training and mentoring of the Level 1 and Level 2 Funeral Service Operatives in your team.
• Carry out one-to-ones with the Funeral Service Operatives within your team, ensuring consistency and all training and development needs are met.
• Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota (including nights/weekends) to support families, including taking first calls and leading on inter cares.
• Complete Garage orders to support operational efficiency and be able to lead back of house, including service delivery.
• Support the Funeral Director in delivering a seamless service and ceremonial work.
• Manage the rotas and staffing to ensure cost of funeral delivery is managed, and overtime and casual staff usage is in line with the business requirements.
• Prepare the deceased (washing, dressing, presentation) in accordance with family, religious, or cultural wishes.

About You
We're looking for someone who:

• Confident in overseeing team training, mentoring and conducting regular 121's.
• Has experience within a Team Leader or shift management role.
• 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; however, experience within a management/supervisory role is essential. Full training will be provided in line with Dignity's training and induction program.
What you can expect from us
We believe in rewarding our colleagues with a strong, supportive benefits package that helps you feel secure, valued and able to grow.

• Time to recharge - Up to 25 days' annual leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays, giving you the time you need to rest and reset.
• A little extra reward - Opportunity to earn a yearly bonus of up to £300-£500 in recognition of your contribution.
• Planning for your future - 4% matched pension to help you build long-term financial security.
• Peace of mind - Life assurance cover at 2x your salary to support your loved ones.
• Everyday savings and perks - Access to MyStaffShop, our employee rewards platform, offering savings across high street and online retailers, alongside eyecare support, flu jab reimbursement and lifestyle discounts.
• Support when you need it - Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health services and confidential counselling.
• Learn and grow with us - Ongoing training and development, including internal learning pathways and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Making work easier - Free on-site parking available at most of our locations.

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!
Why Dignity
Dignity exists to help every family in Britain navigate the hardest moments of life with simplicity, dignity, kindness and exceptional care. Every day, our funeral teams across the country help families say goodbye to the people they love. It's a responsibility we take seriously, and it matters.
Dignity is changing for the better. We're investing in better training, better support and better tools for our funeral teams, so you can focus on what matters most: being there for families when they need us.
You'll be part of a close-knit team who look out for each other and take real pride in their work. No two days are the same, and the work you do is noticed and valued.
If you want a job that is genuinely meaningful, helping families across Britain through one of the hardest times in their lives, this is a good place to build a career.
FCA Statement
Dignity is part of a group that includes FCA-regulated activities, and some roles may be subject to relevant training, screening, conduct, and regulatory requirements. This will be confirmed as part of the recruitment process.
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. xiskglj
We reserve the right depending on application numbers to close or extend the closing dates for positions; we would therefore recommend an early application.
***Internal reference - FSO Level 3***