Funeral Service Operative Level One

Dignity Plc; Chichester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading funeral service company in the UK is seeking a Funeral Service Operative in Chichester. This role requires compassionate individuals to provide dignified care for the deceased and support families during sensitive moments. Responsibilities include driving specialist vehicles and maintaining high standards of service. Training will be provided, making it suitable for those without prior experience.

Benefits

Professional development programs

Bonus potential

Life assurance cover

Health & wellbeing programme

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrate empathy and professionalism under pressure.
• Comfortable working with the deceased in various conditions.
• Hold a Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide dignified care for the deceased.
• Support Funeral Directors in service delivery.
• Drive and operate hearses and limousines.
• Maintain vehicles and facilities to high standards.
• Participate in on-call rota for family support.
• Prepare the deceased with respect to wishes.
• Interact with families in a calm and respectful manner.

Skills

Empathy

Professionalism

Manual handling

Reliability

Driving

Job description

We're looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team at our Dillistone Funeral Directors in Worthing as a Funeral Service Operative (Level One). This role offers the opportunity to support families during one of life's most sensitive moments, playing a key part in delivering respectful and meaningful services that genuinely 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 throughout the entire way.

Your Impact and Responsibilities

• Provide dignified and professional care for the deceased
• Support Funeral Directors in delivering seamless service and ceremonial work
• Drive and operate specialist vehicles (including hearses, limousines and private ambulances)
• Maintain high standards of presentation for vehicles and facilities, and ensure they are well‑maintained
• Participate in an out‑of‑hours on‑call rota (including nights/weekends) to support families, providing dignified collection and transfer of the deceased into care
• 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 interact with families in a calm and respectful manner

Qualifications & Expectations

• Carry out all duties involving the deceased with the utmost care and professionalism
• Demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and composure under pressure
• Have a respectful, caring approach when supporting both colleagues and families
• Be physically capable of manual handling tasks, including lifting and carrying
• Be comfortable working in direct contact with the deceased in a variety of conditions
• Be reliable, flexible, and able to work outside standard hours when needed
• Take pride in presenting oneself in a professional and dignified manner
• Hold a Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
• No previous funeral experience is necessary – complete training, uniform, and support will be provided

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 across the country. 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. We are now building the UK's leading end‑of‑life company. As part of the Dignity Group, we also operate Farewill, the country's most prominent 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.

The FCA regulates us 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 more inclusive and 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.

Benefits

• Professional development: A comprehensive induction plan and the opportunity to complete in‑house development programmes to set you up for success or to pursue a qualification through our apprenticeship programme.
• Bonus Potential: Unlock the possibility of earning additional bonuses, rewarding your hard work and achievements.
• Life Assurance Cover: Enjoy peace of mind with our life assurance cover, securing your family's future.
• Health & Wellbeing Programme: Benefit from an employee assistance programme that supports your health and well‑being.
• Holiday Allowance: Start with a generous leave entitlement of 30‑33 days per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
• Pension Scheme: Plan for the future with our contributory pension scheme, helping you save for a secure retirement.