Job Description

Come and join our team!
Our Associate Funeral Directors are expected to step in and conduct funerals in the absence of the Funeral Director, whilst at other times, working to ensure that all other operational tasks are completed including stepping into all funeral operative duties.
Want to know more? Take a look at our job description attached to the bottom of this webpage.
What you'll be doing
Accountability 1 - Service

• When conducting a funeral, carry out all necessary duties to ensure that each funeral 'goes to plan'. This will include the completion of internal and statutory paperwork, liaising with third parties (such as Crematoriums + Ministers), liaising with funeral arrangers prior to the funeral and completing pre-funeral checks.

• To conduct funeral services at a variety of locations, as required. When conducting a funeral, to be the point of contact for clients and families throughout the service, as well as to colleagues, who will need relevant direction and/or instruction.

• When conducting a funeral, to be responsible for the route the cortege follows, ensure that the hearse is stocked and that all relevant paperwork required for the service is available.

• When conducting a funeral, to be responsible for all final checks and adherence to procedures, including the identification of the deceased, as well as the presentation of the funeral team and vehicles.

• At times, prepare and dress the deceased, including moving them to rest in their coffin. o To bring the deceased in to our care, sometimes in challenging circumstances. Ensure that at this point, as well as throughout the deceased's time in our care, relevant identification checks and procedures are adhered to, (including the safeguarding of personal effects).

Accountability 2 - Standards & Compliance

• To be responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of the premises, including back of house (including the garage, transit, preparation and mortuary areas). Location As advised Department Funeral Reports to Designated line manager (typically Funeral Director) Job Purpose: Principal Accountabilities: East of England Co-operative Associate Funeral Director eastofengland.coop March 2023

• To demonstrate a professional standard of appearance and service at all times, towards families/clients, congregations, crematorium staff, cemetery staff, Ministers, etc.

• Ensure that compliance with statutory and Society processes and guidelines is upheld at all times, including health and safety.

Additional Requirements:

• Flexibility to cover other Sectors, as required.

• To work flexibly as part of an out of hours duty team/rota.

• To have a good knowledge of the local area(s)

The person we are looking for

• Full driving license

• Great communication and interpersonal skills

• Professional and empathetic approach

• Able to work well as part of a team, as well as independently under own initiative

• Attention to detail (in work, as well as own conduct and presentation)

• Previous experience of working within funeral services

• Previous experience of conducting funeral

• Previous experience of leading a team

Perks of the job
At the East of England Co-op, we strive to be the best place to work. We invest in our colleagues to help them to progress in their careers and achieve their full potential. How do we do this?

• 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 Wagestream
• 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

Check out the detail of all our colleague benefits .
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.

Skills Required