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- Tasks: Support families during funerals, prepare the deceased, and maintain high standards in our facilities.
- Company: Join the East of England Co-op, a trusted provider of funeral services for over 90 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, discounts, flexible shifts, and comprehensive support for your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in your community while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills, empathy, team spirit, and a full UK manual driving licence required.
- Other info: No prior funeral experience needed; we value personality and people skills above all.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ per year.
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 Coordinators 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.
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 Stream®
- 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.
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Funeral Operative employer: East of England Cooperative
Contact Detail:
East of England Cooperative Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local community and its needs. Understanding the demographics and cultural sensitivities of the area will help you connect better with clients and families, showcasing your empathy and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former employees of East of England Co-op Funeral Services. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your interpersonal skills in any interactions you have with the team or during networking events. Being personable and approachable can set you apart as a candidate who embodies the qualities they are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown empathy and professionalism, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and the qualities the East of England Co-op is looking for in a Funeral Operative.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your communication skills, empathy, and attention to detail. Provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities, even if they are not directly related to funeral services.
Personalise Your Application: Tailor your application to reflect your understanding of the company’s values and mission. Mention how you can contribute to the community and support local projects, as this is important to the East of England Co-op.
Proofread Your Documents: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as professionalism is key in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at East of England Cooperative
✨Show Empathy and Understanding
In a role like Funeral Operative, demonstrating empathy is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've handled sensitive situations in the past, showing that you can connect with clients and families during difficult times.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
This position requires a strong team player. Discuss your experiences working in teams, especially in challenging environments, and how you contributed to achieving common goals. This will show that you can collaborate effectively with colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is vital in this role, from preparing the deceased for viewings to maintaining high standards in facilities. Be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured accuracy and quality in your previous work.
✨Research the Company and Community
Familiarise yourself with the East of England Co-op Funeral Services and its community involvement. Showing that you understand their values and are eager to contribute to local projects will set you apart as a candidate who truly cares about the role.