Embalmer

CO-OP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading funeral service provider in Bristol seeks passionate and caring individuals to join its Funeralcare team. As a member, you will provide sensitive support and assistance to clients while preparing the deceased with dignity and respect. Key responsibilities include offering personalized services, maintaining high standards, and managing relationships with families. The role offers extensive training and career development, including apprenticeships, along with benefits like discounts, substantial holidays, and a supportive workplace environment.

Benefits

30% off Co-op branded products

Discounts on other brands

Pension with up to 10% employer contributions

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Access to virtual GP

Endless career development opportunities

Access to Wagestream

Qualifications

• A practical can-do attitude and flexible approach.
• The ability to think on your feet and expertly prioritise your work.
• Emotional maturity and a caring nature.

Responsibilities

• Provide an empathic service to clients from all backgrounds.
• Prepare the deceased and carry out physical assessments.
• Support colleagues and ensure high standards.

Skills

Empathy

Compassion

Communication

Education

BIE (British Institute of Embalmers) qualification or equivalent

Job description

Please note all positions within Funeralcare can involve direct physical contact with the deceased as part of normal duties - the amount of contact will differ dependant on role applied for. Typical duties include but are not limited to preparation, transportation, and personal care of the deceased to be carried out with professionalism, dignity, respect and adherence to health and safety standards. In this role, you'll be part of one big team, committed to delivering outstanding service to our clients every time. In return, we can offer you a competitive salary, excellent pension, and discounts on a range of Co‑op and other retailer's products and services.

Responsibilities

• Provide an empathic and personal service to clients from all backgrounds and religions.
• Prepare the deceased and carry out practical physical assessments on a daily basis.
• Support colleagues to understand the benefits of embalming.
• Maintain high standards, detail and accuracy in everything you do.

Pre‑Employment Screening

We will perform some background checks as part of our pre‑employment screening process. These will include a DBS (disclosure and barring service) and adverse media checks, and an occupational health questionnaire (to ensure you are fit to perform the role). We'll also check your social media activity on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Any offer of employment made will be conditional upon the completion of pre‑employment screening checks.

Our Funeral Service Crew help with the funeral and care for the deceased. You'll work closely with your team to provide a seamless, sensitive service. And you don't need experience – just a full UK driver's licence. We'll give you all the support you need to help build your career with Co‑op Funeralcare. Our Funeral Arrangers are the first point of contact for clients. They get to know clients' needs and help them plan their funeral. You'll need empathy and great customer service skills because your clients will look to you for help, support and advice. We'll teach you everything else you need to do the job through our training and support. As a Funeral Director, you'll spend most of your time with families, supporting them through the funeral arrangements. You'll manage your own time and build strong, trusting relationships. We'll give you all the support and training you need to develop your team and deliver a thoughtful service that works for our clients, and our business. Here, you'll discover job satisfaction you never thought possible. These are management roles.

Our Care Logistics Managers focus on the co‑ordination of funerals and the line management of operational teams, making sure all resources are in the right place at the right time. Funeral Services Managers look after multiple branches, making sure funeral services are consistently delivered to the highest possible standards. Becoming an Embalmer isn't a common career choice, but it is an incredibly rewarding one. Embalmers help preserve and restore deceased people, creating a peaceful and lasting image for their family and friends. It's a highly skilled and technical role, for which you need an official BIE qualification. If you don't hold this qualification, you can enrol on our embalmer apprenticeship. Our apprenticeships are open to everyone.

As a Level 2 Funeral Team Member, you'll develop your funeral arranging skills, learning how to deliver them with care and compassion. At Level 3, you can learn how to become a funeral director. Or you can become an embalmer with our Level 5 Embalmer programme, or progress to managerial roles with our degree apprenticeships. There are all kinds of ways you can progress in this role. Find out more on our apprentice hub.

Qualifications

• A BIE (British Institute of Embalmers) qualification (or equivalent).
• A practical can‑do attitude and flexible approach.
• A caring nature and emotional maturity.
• The ability to think on your feet and expertly prioritise your work.
• An appreciation that you only get one chance to deliver a perfect final tribute.

We're looking for a passionate and caring embalmer to join our Co‑op Funeralcare team. If you can bring the technical experience and customer focus we need, we can offer you a fantastic experience to develop your career with a business that puts people, care, and wellbeing at the heart of its strategy.

At Co‑op Funeralcare, we're proud to support people during their most difficult moments. This can be emotional work, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Our Funeralcare colleagues work together to offer care and support to people experiencing grief. Whether you're a Funeral Arranger, Funeral Director or part of our Funeral Service Crew, you'll need to be compassionate and dedicated to helping others.

Benefits

• 30% off Co‑op branded products in our food stores all year‑round.
• 10% off other brands in our food stores all year‑round.
• Discounts on other Co‑op products and services.
• 23 days holidays (pro rata, rising with service).
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme which offers confidential advice and support on anything you're struggling with, 24 hours a day.
• Access to virtual GP and free eye tests.
• Endless career development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Friendly, supportive team and the knowledge that you make a huge difference to your community.
• Access to Wagestream – a money management app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it.

Inclusive Workplace

• Holidays starting from 31 days holiday per year (includes bank holidays).
• 30% off Co‑op branded products in our food stores.
• Pension with up to 10% employer contributions.
• Wagestream – a money management app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it.
• Services to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Flexibility – we'll aim to find a working pattern that fits your life.
• Endless career development opportunities including apprenticeships.

Success Profile

• Forging Relationships.
• Co‑operation.
• Teamwork.
• Empathy.
• Compassion.
• Speaking Up.