Embalmer

Co-op; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading funeral service provider in Carlisle seeks a part-time Embalmer. The role involves providing empathic service and preparing the deceased with professionalism. Candidates should possess a BIE qualification and demonstrate a caring nature. The position comes with competitive pay and benefits, including discounts and a supportive work environment. Ideal for those looking to make a difference in their community while adhering to high standards of care.

Benefits

30% off Co-op branded products

10% off other brands

23 days holiday (pro rata)

Pension with up to 10% employer contributions

Employee Assistance Programme

Virtual GP access

Endless career development opportunities

Money management app access

Qualifications

• Must have a BIE qualification or equivalent.
• Flexible approach and practical can-do attitude.
• Ability to deliver a perfect final tribute.

Responsibilities

• Provide empathic and personal service.
• Prepare the deceased and carry out assessments.
• Support colleagues on benefits of embalming.

Skills

Empathy

Attention to detail

Communication

Emotional maturity

Education

BIE qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

Closing date: 08-12-2025

Embalmer

£19.11 per hour plus benefits

Part time 22 hours per week, working a variety of shifts Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Carlisle CA1 1BA

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.

Please carefully consider your comfort levels with these responsibilities before applying.

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.

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.

What you’ll do

• 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
• play an active role within the community, building strong relationships with people and acting as a trusted and well-respected ambassador for Co-op

This role would suit someone who has

• 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

Why Co-op?

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At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• 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

Building an inclusive work environment

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process atYour Co-op Application Journeyand our inclusion commitments atDiversity and inclusion at Co-op

If you’re successful in your application, we’ll 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.