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Funeral Service Crew & Arranger Opportunities
EarlsfieldCo-op Funeralcare, 679 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield, SW17 0PB
We are hiring Funeral Service Crew, Funeral arrangers/Mobile Funeral Arrangers.
You’ll need a full manual UK driver’s licence for the Funeral Service Crew.
You'll need access to your own Car for the Mobile Funeral Arranger.
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.
Funeral Service Crew
2 x 12-month contract Full-time roles (37.5 hours per week)
3 x Permanent Full-time roles (37.5 hours per week)
1 x Part-time role (18.75 hours per week)
£14.99 hourly rate including London allowance plus great benefits
Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm - as part of this role, you’ll also be part of the on call rota Saturday and Sunday 8am to 8pm
You don’t need any previous experience in the funeral industry as we provide full training and ongoing support, plus access to a wide range of benefits including competitive salary, an excellent pension scheme, and discounts on a range of Co-op products and services.
What you’ll do
collect the deceased from a range of locations and scenarios in a professional and empathetic manner.
bear coffins on the day of the funeral and drive funeral vehicles
maintain the cleanliness of equipment and facilities, including vehicles
prepare coffins and engrave name plates
prepare the deceased in our care for viewings and the funeral
maintain client management applications daily, inputting detailed and timely information to keep records consistently updates
safely lift, carry and move coffins following safe techniques, using handling aids and equipment and following health and safety guidance to prevent injuries
What you'll bring
a full UK manual driving licence
the ability to perform the physical aspects of the role (such as manual lifting). Appropriate training and equipment to ensure safe working practices will be provided
good IT skills, with the confidence to use a range of technology devices (e.g computers, tablets, smartphones, printers and scanners) and the ability to learn and effectively use new applications and systems
the ability to react calmly and compassionately in emotional circumstances, with a sensitive and empathetic approach to customer service
strong attention to detail and accuracy, making sure regulatory policies and processes are always adhered to
Funeral Arranger
1 x Part-time role
£15.22 hourly rate including London allowance plus great benefits
What you’ll do
build and maintain positive relationships with clients and the community
support our clients both in person and over the phone, arranging family visits and answering client questions
make sure that the funeral home —both inside and out—is always clean, safe, and welcoming, maintaining a professional and comforting environment for our clients, as well as reporting and recording any maintenance issue (there will be times when you’ll be the only person in branch)
work with different digital systems and devices (computers, tablets, smartphone applications) to accurately manage client documentation, funeral arrangements and invoicing
make sure that all regulated work, like selling and informing clients about our funeral plans, is referred to the Funeral Plan Arrangers
support with manual handling of coffins and assist in the care and preparation of the deceased (preparing for viewing - hair, make-up etc, moving the deceased and other general responsibilities)
update client management applications, entering accurate and timely information to ensure records are kept up to date at all times
What you'll bring
good communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate with clients and colleagues both in writing and verbally
the ability to confidently work with numbers and doing basic calculations such as cash handling, working out discounts, simple data entry and invoicing
a keen eye for detail and accuracy, making sure regulatory policies and processes are always adhered to
good IT skills, with the ability to use a range of technology devices and systems (e.g computers, tablets, smartphones, printers) and the ability to learn and effectively use new applications and systems
a passion for delivering great service and building relationships
high levels of empathy, discretion and care
the ability to carry out the physical elements of the role, such as moving coffins in preparation for family viewings (appropriate training and equipment to ensure safe working practices will be provided)
Mobile Funeral Arranger
2 x Part-time roles
£15.22 hourly rate including London allowance plus great benefits
What you’ll do
travel to meet clients build and maintain positive relationships with the community
support our clients both in person and over the phone, arranging family visits and answering client questions
make sure that the funeral home —both inside and out—is always clean, safe, and welcoming, maintaining a professional and comforting environment for our clients, as well as reporting and recording any maintenance issue (there will be times when you’ll be the only person in branch)
work with different digital systems and devices (computers, tablets, smartphone applications) to accurately manage client documentation, funeral arrangements and invoicing
make sure that all regulated work, like selling and informing clients about our funeral plans, is referred to the Funeral Plan Arrangers team
support with manual handling of coffins and assist in the care and preparation of the deceased (preparing for viewing - hair, make-up etc, moving the deceased and other general responsibilities)
update client management applications, entering accurate and timely information to ensure records are always kept up to date
What you'll bring
a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
the ability to work confidently on their own—whether travelling to client meetings or independently managing a branch when needed
good communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate with clients and colleagues both in writing and verbally
the ability to confidently work with numbers and doing basic calculations such as cash handling, working out discounts, simple data entry and invoicing
a keen eye for detail and accuracy, making sure regulatory policies and processes are always adhered to
good IT skills, with the ability to use a range of technology devices and systems (e.g computers, tablets, smartphones, printers) and the ability to learn and effectively use new applications and systems
a passion for delivering great service and building relationships
high levels of empathy, discretion and care
the ability to carry out the physical elements of the role, such as moving coffins in preparation for family viewings (appropriate training and equipment to ensure safe working practices will be provided)
Why Co-op?
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 and 10% off other brands in our food stores all year-round, as well as 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 Stream - a money management app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
A place you’ll belong
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 at (opens in new window)Your Co-op Application Journey(opens in new window) and our inclusion commitments at (opens in new window)Diversity and inclusion at Co-op(opens in new window)
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 which includes 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.
We reserve the right to remove a vacancy before the scheduled closing date.
Benefits
- Holidays starting from 31 days holiday per year (includes bank holidays)
- 30% off Co-op branded products in our food stores
- Pension with up to 10% employer contributions
- Wagestream – a money management app that gives you access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
- Services to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing
- Flexibility – we’ll aim to find a working pattern that fits your life
- Endless career development opportunities including apprenticeships
Success profile
What makes a successful member of our team? Check out the top traits we're looking for and see if you have the right mix.
- Customer Focus
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Empathy
- Compassion
Who we are
At Co-op Funeralcare, we’re proud to support people during their most difficult moments.
This can be emotional work. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Our Funeralcare colleagues work together to offer care and support to people experiencing grief. Whether you’re a Funeral Arranger, Funeral Director or part of our Funeral Service Crew, you’ll need to be compassionate and dedicated to helping others. Your empathy and sensitivity will not only aid people in their time of need, but also help you to build a deeply fulfilling career.
Our culture
Smiling at work is easy when you see the difference you make. And our funeralcare colleagues take pride in positively impacting our communities
At Co-op you’ll be welcomed and included, cared for inside and outside of work, and empowered by supportive leaders.
We’re all in this together and at Co-op, we always look out for each other.
We’ll do all we can to help you create a great work/life balance.
If you experience abuse or harassment in the workplace, we’ll support you.
Your manager won’t solve all your problems, but they’ll understand and empower you.
Find out about our roles
A career with Co-op Funeralcare could take you in a number of different directions, including management, embalming or a role in our support functions. You could even progress into another Co-op business area like Retail, Legal Services or Insurance.
Our Funeral Service Crew help with the funeral and care for the deceased. You’ll work closely with your team to provide a seamless, sensitive service. And you don’t need experience – just a full UK driver’s licence. We’ll give you all the support you need to help build your career with Co-op Funeralcare.
Our Funeral Arrangers are the first point of contact for clients. They get to know clients’ needs and help them plan their funeral. You’ll need empathy and great customer service skills because your clients will look to you for help, support and advice. We’ll teach you everything else you need to do the job through our training and support.
As a Funeral Director, you’ll spend most of your time with families, supporting them through the funeral arrangements. You’ll manage your own time and build strong, trusting relationships. We’ll give you all the support and training you need to develop your team and deliver a thoughtful service that works for our clients, and our business. Here, you’ll discover job satisfaction you never thought possible.
These are management roles. Our Care Logistics Managers focus on the co-ordination of funerals and the line management of operational teams, making sure all resources are in the right place at the right time. Funeral Services Managers look after multiple branches, making sure funeral services are consistently delivered to the highest possible standards.
Becoming an Embalmer isn’t a common career choice, but it is an incredibly rewarding one. Embalmers help preserve and restore deceased people, creating a peaceful and lasting image for their family and friends. It’s a highly skilled and technical role, for which you need an official BIE qualification. If don’t hold this qualification, you can enrol on our embalmer apprenticeship.
Our apprenticeships are open to everyone. As a Level 2 Funeral Team Member, you’ll develop your funeral arranging skills, learning how to deliver them with care and compassion. At Level 3, you can learn how to become a funeral director. Or you can become an embalmer with our Level 5 Embalmer programme, or progress to managerial roles with our degree apprenticeships. There are all kinds of ways you can progress in this role. Find out more on our apprentice hub.
Our application process
Every application process at Co-op is unique, but you’ll always experience 4 key stages.
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