Funeral Operative

EAST OF ENGLAND CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional cooperative organization is seeking a compassionate Funeral Co-ordinator to provide essential support in funeral services. Responsibilities include driving services and maintaining high standards in facilities. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, empathy, and a team-oriented mindset. The role offers competitive pay, a supportive work environment, and various employee benefits, including discounts and training programs. Flexibility in scheduling is encouraged to support individual commitments.

Benefits

Competitive rates of pay

20% discount in food stores

22 days holiday plus bank holidays

5% employer pension contribution

Death in service benefit

Enhanced family leave

Award-winning training programs

Free remote GP service

Qualifications

• Previous experience in funerals is desirable but not essential.
• Ability to demonstrate personality, empathy, and people skills.
• Must hold a full UK manual driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Drive and assist with funeral services, supporting clients and families.
• Prepare the deceased for viewings and funeral service.
• Oversee chapel visits and maintain facilities.

Skills

Great communication and interpersonal skills

Professional and empathetic approach

Attention to detail

Team player

Good knowledge of the local area

Job description

We have provided Funeral Services to clients and families across the East of England for over 90 years. We know that our Funeral Co‑ordinators 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!

Responsibilities

• Drive and/or bear on funeral services, supporting our client's and family's needs throughout
• 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.

Qualifications & Experience

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.

• 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

Benefits

• 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
• Enhanced on statutory terms, subject to service criteria.

Workplace Flexibility

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.

East of England Co‑op