Funeral Service Operative

Location: Chapeltown

Position:
Funeral Service Operative Level One

Location:

Oliver and James Funeral Directors, Abingdon Job Type: 38.33 Hours per week Salary: £26,708.34 per annum plus on-call payments We're looking for a compassionate and reliable individual to join our team 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 Being a Funeral Service Operative means playing a central part in one of life's most significant moments. You're often the first person a grieving family meets, and your presence can shape how they remember the most difficult of days. This role calls for empathy, confidence, and attention to detail.

You are entrusted with the role of taking care of our deceased and ensuring our families' wishes can be met. You conduct yourself with respect & dignity, understanding the privilege it is to undertake the work you do. As a Funeral Services Operative (Level One), you will:
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) Maintaining high standards of presentation for vehicles and facilities, and ensuring they are well-maintained Participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota (including nights/weekends) to support families - providing out-of-hours support, including 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 interactions with families in a calm and respectful manner Carry out all duties involving the deceased with the utmost care and professionalism Skills and Knowledge We're looking for someone with/is:
Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and composure under pressure Has a respectful, caring approach when supporting both colleagues and families Is physically capable of manual handling tasks, including lifting and carrying Is comfortable working in direct contact with the deceased in a variety of conditions Is reliable, flexible, and able to work outside standard hours when needed Takes pride in presenting themselves in a professional and dignified manner Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (essential) No previous funeral experience is necessary;

complete training, uniform, and support will be provided. What you can expect from us We believe in rewarding our colleagues with a strong, supportive benefits package that helps you feel secure, valued and able to grow. Up to 25 days annual leave, increasing with service, plus bank holidays Company bonus scheme (Up to £500 annually) 4% Matched Pension Contribution with opt-in options from day 1 Life assurance (2X salary) Access to My Staff Shop , our employee rewards platform, offering savings across high street and online retailers Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 confidential support, counselling, wellbeing resources and access to a 24/7 virtual GP service Training and development opportunities, including internal learning and apprenticeship schemes Free on-site parking available at most locations Discounted funeral arrangements for colleagues and immediate family members Access to occupational health services and wellbeing support, including health assessments and medical MOTs Company-funded eye care support, including contributions towards eye tests and glasses Critical incident and trauma counselling support Annual flu jab reimbursement Long-term service recognition awards What are the next steps?

To join us in this…