At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families during funerals, prepare the deceased, and maintain high standards of facilities.
- Company: Join the East of England Co-op, a trusted funeral service provider for over 90 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, flexible shifts, and comprehensive support for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns to accommodate your commitments, including study or other jobs.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills, empathy, team player attitude, and a full UK manual driving licence required.
Find out what it’s like to be part of our Funeral Team
Hear about our roles from our team, they will talk you through what it’s like to work for the East of England Co-op Funeral Services.
Come and join our team!
We have provided Funeral Services to clients and families across the East of England for over 90 years. We know that our Funeral Co-ordinators are the ‘heartbeat’ of this service as the main point of contact for our clients, families, and local communities.
You will also need to demonstrate the same professionalism when advising on other services, such as pre-payment plans and masonry.
We will fully support you in engaging with local projects and supporting important causes, helping you to establish the East of England Co-op Funeral Services and you, as an individual, in the community; our colleagues regularly tell us how rewarding this is !
Whilst previous experience of Funerals would be desirable, this isn’t essential; we’re more interested in hearing from individuals who can demonstrate that they have the personality, empathy and people skills suited to this environment. We are truly local, so whatever experience you bring to this role, you can be reassured that you will be fully supported by nearby branches and Head Office colleagues, as well as your line manager.
Want to know more? Take a look at our job description for the role here.
Our working patterns are non-contractual. Any advertised working pattern represents the normal working pattern for the role at time of advertisement and may be subject to change.
What you’ll be doing
- Drive and/or bear on funeral services, supporting our client’s and family’s needs throughout
- To bring the deceased into our care from different locations / in varying circumstances
- Prepare the deceased for viewings and the funeral service
- Oversee chapel visits
- Maintain the cleanliness and high standard of our facilities and ceremonial vehicles
- Other support tasks, including preparing coffins, checking floral tributes and order of service, etc.
You may also be required to participate in an ‘out-of-hours’ on-call rota. The hiring manager will discuss this further should you be invited to attend an interview.
The person we are looking for
- Great communication and interpersonal skills
- Professional and empathetic approach
- A ‘team player’
- Attention to detail
- Professional standard of conduct and appearance
- Good knowledge of the local area
- A full UK manual driving licence
Perks of the job
At the East of England Co-op, we strive to be the best place to work. We invest in our colleagues to help them to progress in their careers and achieve their full potential. How do we do this?
- Competitive rates of pay
- 20% discount in our food stores, along with other discounts across our family of businesses
- 22 days holiday (plus bank holiday entitlement) which increases with service
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Death in service benefit
- Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements*
- Opportunities to grow, with award-winning training and apprenticeship programmes
- Great discounts, deals, and cashback across over 900 high street and online retailers
- Financial wellbeing support, including Wagestream®
- Access to Cycle To Work, Rental Deposit Scheme, and SmartTech (after a qualifying period)
- Employee Recognition Scheme
- Long Service Awards
- Free remote GP service, available 24/7, including prescription, fitness, nutrition, and counselling services
- Employee Assistance Programme
We recognise the challenges people face trying to balance commitments both in and out of the workplace - perhaps studying, caring commitments, or other employment. We therefore aim to be as flexible as possible, to create shift patterns that work for both our co-op and our colleagues.
* Enhanced on statutory terms, subject to service criteria.
Salary: £12.47 per hour - Total Vacancy Hours: 15Location: 115B Newland Street, Witham, CM8 1BE CM8 1BEFuneral Operative - 115B Newland Street, Witham employer: East of England Coop
At East of England Co-op Funeral Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values empathy and community engagement. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and a range of benefits including discounts and wellness support. Join us in Witham, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a compassionate environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Operative - 115B Newland Street, Witham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its needs. Understanding the area you’ll be serving can help you connect better with clients and families, showing that you genuinely care about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and people skills in any interactions you have before the interview. Whether it’s through volunteering or simply engaging with others, showcasing your ability to connect with people will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the East of England Co-op Funeral Services and their values. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with theirs during the interview can show your commitment to their mission and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your teamwork experience. Since being a 'team player' is crucial for this role, think of specific examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with others, especially in challenging situations.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Operative - 115B Newland Street, Witham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, take time to understand the responsibilities of a Funeral Operative. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, such as supporting clients and families, preparing the deceased, and maintaining high standards.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, emphasise your communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, and attention to detail. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples from your past experiences that showcase these qualities.
Personalise Your Application:Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for this position. Mention why you are interested in working for the East of England Co-op Funeral Services and how you align with their values and community focus.
Proofread Your Documents:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at East of England Coop
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
In a role like this, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to empathise with clients and their families. Share any personal experiences that highlight your understanding of grief and how you can support others during difficult times.
✨Highlight Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this position. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated in past roles, especially in sensitive situations. Use examples that showcase your interpersonal skills and professionalism.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
This job requires a high level of attention to detail, from preparing the deceased for viewings to maintaining facilities. Bring up specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your previous work or studies.
✨Research the Company and Local Area
Familiarise yourself with the East of England Co-op Funeral Services and its values. Knowing about local projects and community involvement can help you connect with the interviewers and show your commitment to the role.
