Service Delivery Lead in Southampton

Location: R.C Payne Funeral Directors, Bitterne

Job Type: Full-time, 38.33 Hours per week.

Salary: £35,000 per annum

We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team as a Service Delivery Lead. You will oversee the end-to-end care journey of the deceased, ensuring every step is carried out with dignity, precision, and respect. As a key member of our operational team, you will support colleagues, coordinate logistics, and ensure excellence in every aspect of our service.

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 Service Delivery Lead, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the entire care journey of the deceased while ensuring the highest standards of respect, dignity, and professionalism. You’ll manage a team dedicated to this sensitive and essential work, ensuring seamless operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the safe and respectful transfer of the deceased into our care from their place of death.
• Oversee their care within the care centre, including preparation, dressing, or embalming based on family requests.
• Facilitate movement to the chapel of rest for viewing when requested by bereaved families.
• Lead the team in ceremonial duties on the day of the funeral, including the careful and dignified handling of the deceased during their final journey.
• Manage the care centre efficiently, optimising team organisation and scheduling to reduce costs.
• Inspire, mentor, and manage your team to maintain the highest service standards and continuously improve.
• Ensure vehicles and resources are managed effectively for seamless operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators and use insights to enhance service delivery.

About you

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced leader who understands the importance of delivering exceptional service in a highly sensitive environment. Ideal candidates will bring:

• The ability to provide care and sensitivity to families while upholding the dignity of the deceased.
• Experience in resource planning, fleet management, or similar operational roles is an advantage.
• Strong multitasking skills and the ability to manage priorities effectively.
• 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 provided.
• 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

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. With over 500 funeral homes across the UK, Dignity Funerals is a trusted presence in local communities, operating under respected and well-known local names. We’re proud to offer a truly personal and attentive service — one that’s tailored to the individual needs and wishes of every family we support.

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. This includes:

• Our Crematoria and Memorials Group, managing 45 crematoria nationwide.
• Dignity Funeral Plans, giving people peace of mind by allowing them to plan ahead.
• The recently acquired Farewill, a leading provider of online wills and probate services.

Together, our goal is simple: to provide families with continuity, care, and clarity — from planning and preparation through to the funeral itself, and beyond.

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. If you are considered for a role, you will be providing your permission for us to conduct the relevant checks and assessments that will be carried out during the recruitment and onboarding process. The nature of the checks will depend on whether the role is subject to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR).

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.

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.