At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families during funerals, from vehicle preparation to ceremonial duties.
- Company: Join Dignity, a trusted name in funeral services across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, 30-33 days leave, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact by helping families through difficult times with compassion.
- Qualifications: Empathy and reliability are key; no prior experience needed, just a Full UK Driving Licence.
- Other info: Flexible hours required, including nights and weekends; uniform and equipment provided.
The predicted salary is between 20600 - 30500 £ per year.
We're looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team at Aberdeen Funeral Directors, Woodside as a Funeral Service Operative. 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive and operate specialist vehicles (including hearses and limousines)
- Set up venues and carry out ceremonial duties, including coffin bearing
- Maintain funeral vehicles and equipment to high standards
- Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota (including nights/weekends) to support families
- Bring the deceased into our care from the place of death - including private homes, hospitals, hospices, or public spaces - under varying circumstances
- Prepare the deceased (washing, dressing, presentation) in accordance with family, religious, or cultural wishes
- Support with chapel visits and interactions with families in a calm and respectful manner
- Carry out all duties involving the deceased with the utmost care and professionalism
About You
We’re Looking For Someone Who:
- 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
- Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
No previous funeral experience is necessary - full training, uniform, and support will be provided.
What We Offer
- A fulfilling and meaningful role supporting families in your community
- Full training and personal development opportunities
- 30 - 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Uniform and all necessary equipment provided
- Company pension and life assurance
- Access to an employee assistance programme for wellbeing support
- Annual company bonus
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!
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.
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.
Funeral Service Operative employer: Jeroen den Hartog Photography & Image Processing
Contact Detail:
Jeroen den Hartog Photography & Image Processing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Funeral Service Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the funeral service industry and the specific duties of a Funeral Service Operative. Understanding the emotional aspects of the role will help you connect better with families during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your empathy and reliability in any interactions you have with the company, whether it's during a phone call or at an open day. Showing that you can handle sensitive situations with care will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
If possible, visit the funeral home or attend community events they are involved in. This will give you insight into their operations and allow you to express genuine interest in their work during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work outside standard hours. Highlighting your readiness to participate in the on-call rota will show that you are committed to supporting families when they need it most.
We think you need these skills to ace Funeral Service Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the key responsibilities and qualities they are looking for, such as empathy, reliability, and professionalism.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the role of a Funeral Service Operative. Emphasise any previous roles where you demonstrated compassion or worked in sensitive environments.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your understanding of the role and your motivation for applying. Share why you want to support families during difficult times and how your values align with those of Dignity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in this line of work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jeroen den Hartog Photography & Image Processing
✨Show Empathy and Compassion
In this role, you'll be supporting families during a very sensitive time. Make sure to express your understanding of the emotional weight of the job and how you can provide comfort and support to those in need.
✨Demonstrate Reliability and Professionalism
Highlight your reliability and ability to maintain professionalism under pressure. Share examples from past experiences where you've had to stay calm and composed in challenging situations.
✨Discuss Your Physical Capability
Since the role involves manual handling tasks, be prepared to discuss your physical fitness and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to perform these duties safely and effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their training process, team dynamics, or how they ensure the highest standards of care for families.