Funeral Director (12 month FTC) (Abingdon)

Dignity Funerals Limited; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned funeral service provider in Abingdon is seeking a compassionate Funeral Director. You will oversee funeral operations, support families during challenging times, and maintain high standards of service. The role requires experience in funeral service operations, excellent communication skills, and a Full UK Driving Licence. Benefits include full training, annual leave, and a supportive work environment. If you are ready to lead with dignity and care, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

Full training and development

Uniform and equipment provided

30-33 days annual leave

Company pension

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting funerals is essential.
• Demonstrates effective communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work flexibly including weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct funeral services in a dignified manner.
• Support families with empathy throughout the funeral process.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure smooth service delivery.

Skills

Experience in funeral service operations

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Education

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

Location: OX14 3RY, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, South East, UK

Position: Funeral Director
Location: Oliver and James Funeral Directors, Abingdon
Job Type: 38.33 Hours per week, 12-month Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £29,644 per annum

We're looking for an experienced and compassionate individual to join our team as a Funeral Director at Oliver and James. You'll oversee funeral operations and ensure every service is delivered to the highest standard, while supporting families through one of life's most challenging moments. As a representative of both the local brand and the wider Dignity Group, you'll also play an important role in engaging with the local community and building trusted relationships.

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

As a Funeral Director, you'll lead on the day of the funeral, coordinating teams and managing all aspects of service delivery. You will act as a guide for families, a leader to colleagues, and a representative of Dignity's values within your community. 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

• Lead and conduct funeral services in a dignified, respectful, and professional manner.
• Support families with empathy and guidance throughout the funeral process.
• Coordinate with arrangers, operatives, ministers/celebrants, and venues to ensure smooth execution of services.
• Ensure funeral vehicles, staff, and ceremonial elements are prepared and meet required standards.
• Oversee funeral logistics on the day, including timings, team direction, and venue setup.
• Assist with coffin preparation, handling of the deceased, and chapel duties where required.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to less experienced team members.
• Support with local community engagement and promotion of the brand you represent.
• Uphold health and safety, compliance, and professional standards at all times.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience in funeral service operations and conducting funerals.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Is calm under pressure with a respectful, compassionate approach to service.
• Is physically capable of manual handling tasks, including coffin bearing.
• Is comfortable with direct contact with the deceased in varying circumstances.
• Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (essential).
• Is willing to work flexibly, including weekends and on-call duties as required.

What We Offer

A meaningful role supporting families when they need it most.

• Full training and development, including Funeral Plan Consultancy.
• Uniform and all necessary equipment provided.
• 30-33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
• Company pension, employee assistance programme, and life assurance.

We wouldn't be able to provide this essential service without our people. If you'd like to be part of a compassionate team dedicated to delivering the highest standards of care, we'd love to hear from you.

What are the next steps?

If this sounds like the next step in your career and you're ready to support families and lead with professionalism, simply hit the 'apply' button. A member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

About Us

We are Dignity, one of the UK's oldest and most trusted funeral providers, with over 200 years of history, 570 branches, and 46 crematoria. From launching the UK's first funeral plan to helping shape modern regulation, we have led the way in supporting families with care, compassion, and professionalism. Now we are building the UK's leading end of life company. As part of the Dignity Group, we also operate Farewill, the country's largest will writer and one of the UK's top probate providers, giving families support not just at the funeral, but before and after as well. Today we are over 4,000 people across the UK, all driven by the same goal: to care for families with compassion and make the UK a world leader in end of life care. Here to help, whenever you need.

FCA Statement

We are regulated by the FCA, so some roles may be subject to background checks.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We know that diverse teams make better decisions, build better products, and create a better place to work. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever your life looks like, we'd love to hear from you. And if there's anything you need to make the process more accessible, please let us know.

Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable. We reserve the right to close or extend the closing dates for positions depending on application numbers; we would therefore recommend an early application.