At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with empathy and professionalism during difficult times.
- Company: Join Dignity, a trusted name in funeral services for over 200 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, generous holiday allowance, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by helping families through significant life moments.
- Qualifications: Empathy, communication skills, and a willingness to learn are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13936 - 16936 € per year.
Location: John Bardgett & Sons Funeral Directors, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Job Type: Part time, permanent - Monday to Friday 10am - 2pm
Salary: £13,936.00 per annum plus commission (OTE: £2-3k per annum)
We’re looking for an empathetic and well-organised individual to join our team at John Bardgett & Sons Funeral Directors as a Funeral Service Specialist (Level One). You’ll be the first person families speak to, offering reassurance and support while ensuring every detail is handled with care and professionalism. Based at our branch in Newcastle Upon Tyne, you’ll take pride in the day-to-day running of the branch, supporting families, ensuring high standards, and building trusted local relationships. To become the arranger of choice in your community, you’ll also be trained to provide guidance on Funeral Plans and support with ceremonial duties when required.
Why This Role Matters…
Being a Funeral Service Specialist means playing a central part in one of life’s most significant moments. You’re often the first person a grieving family turns to, and your presence can shape how they remember the most difficult of days.
Your Impact and Responsibilities…
This role calls for empathy, confidence, and attention to detail. It’s about guiding people through funeral arrangements with care, introducing them to the support we can offer, and ensuring every detail is taken care of. You will be a steady, professional hand when people need it most.
- Supporting families with empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail
- Arrange funerals that meet family wishes, cultural practices, and legal requirements – arranging funerals with clarity, compassion and precision, offering all relevant products
- Oversee day-to-day branch operations, including administration and presentation
- Liaise with suppliers such as ministers, celebrants, and florists
- Lead chapel visits, as required, supporting the families with their requests
- Take accountability for raising awareness of funeral plans and contributing to plan sales within the branch
- Represent the branch in the local community and contribute to outreach
- Train in Funeral Conducting to assist with ceremonial duties during peak times
- Uphold Dignity’s standards of professionalism, care, and service
Skills and Knowledge…
We’re looking for someone with:
- Compassion, calmness, and empathy in emotionally sensitive situations
- Communication, organisation, and administrative skills – confident with legal paperwork
- Confident working independently, with branch-level responsibility
- Comfortable in settings where the deceased may be resting, including chapel visits
- Willingness to work flexibly (including weekends/on-call if needed)
- A Full UK Driving Licence (desirable, not essential) - Ability to travel to client homes and local branches is important
- Experience in customer service, care, or admin (beneficial - complete training is provided)
What We Offer…
- Professional development: A comprehensive induction plan and the opportunity to complete in-house development programmes to set you up for success or to pursue a qualification through our apprenticeship programme.
- Memorialisation Commission Potential: up to £2,000.00 OTE per annum
- Bonus Potential: Unlock the possibility of earning additional bonuses, rewarding your hard work and achievements.
- Life Assurance Cover: Enjoy peace of mind with our life assurance cover, securing your family’s future.
- Health & Wellbeing Programme: Benefit from an employee assistance programme that supports your health and wellbeing.
- Holiday Allowance: Start with a generous leave entitlement of 30-33 days per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Plan for the future with our contributory pension scheme, helping you save for a secure retirement.
What are the next steps?
To join us in this role, hit the 'apply' button to submit your application, and a member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch!
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 across the country. 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. We are now building the UK’s leading end-of-life company.
As part of the Dignity Group, we also operate Farewill, the country’s most prominent 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 us.
FCA Statement
The FCA regulates us so that 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 more inclusive and 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 the number of applications received, to close or extend the closing dates for positions. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible.
Funeral Service Specialist in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Dignity
At John Bardgett & Sons Funeral Directors, we pride ourselves on fostering a compassionate and supportive work environment where our Funeral Service Specialists play a vital role in helping families during their most challenging times. Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, we offer comprehensive professional development opportunities, a generous holiday allowance, and a health and wellbeing programme to ensure our employees feel valued and supported. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying the benefits of a rewarding career with one of the UK's most trusted funeral providers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Specialist in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research John Bardgett & Sons Funeral Directors and understand their values. This will help you connect with them during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your empathy skills! As a Funeral Service Specialist, you'll need to be a comforting presence. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with how to support grieving families.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend local community events or workshops related to end-of-life care. Building relationships in the community can give you an edge and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining our team at Dignity.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Specialist in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy:In your application, let us see your compassionate side! Share experiences where you've supported others, especially in tough situations. This role is all about being there for families when they need it most.
Be Organised and Detailed:We love a well-structured application! Make sure to highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail. Mention any relevant experience with paperwork or administration that shows you can handle the responsibilities of this role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and qualities we’re looking for in a Funeral Service Specialist. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the next step? We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dignity
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Funeral Service Specialist, empathy is key. During the interview, share examples of how you've supported others in difficult situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with grieving families and show that you understand the emotional weight of the role.
✨Know the Details
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of funeral arrangements, including cultural practices and legal requirements. Being able to discuss these details confidently will show that you're prepared and serious about the position.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires excellent organisation and administrative skills. Be ready to discuss your experience managing multiple tasks or projects, especially in high-pressure environments. Use specific examples to illustrate how you keep everything running smoothly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company and the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand if this is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the training process or how the team supports each other during challenging times.
