Job Description

Full-Time or Part-Time Funeral Service Operative /Trainee Funeral Service Operative required

Company:

Porteous Family Funeral Directors

Location:

Edinburgh & the Lothians

Salary

: 29,484 per annum (Pro rata if p/t)

,

plus overtime and on-call payments

(Salary reviewed after 6-month probationary period)
Hours:

Full or part-time

Driving License:

Full UK driving licence, with no more than 3 penalty points and a minimum of 2 years' driving experience

DBS/Disclosure Check:

Required

Closing date:

14th September 2025

we reserve the right to close the job posting at any time if we receive a large number of applications

About Us

Porteous Family Funeral Directors is one of the few remaining independent, family-run funeral directors serving Edinburgh and the Lothians. We are trusted and highly recommended, with a proud reputation built on compassion, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail.
Our commitment is simple: to put families first and to deliver a standard of service where only perfection will suffice.

The Role

We are seeking a calm, compassionate, and professional individual to join our team as a Funeral Service Operative. This role is both varied and rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the families we serve.
You will be a key part of our team, involved in all aspects of the funeral process--from the initial care of the deceased to supporting the delivery of funeral services.

Key Responsibilities

Assisting with the collection and respectful care of the deceased.

Working in the mortuary, including dressing and preparation of the deceased.

Fitting coffins and maintaining the highest standards of presentation.

Participating in funeral services, including pallbearing.

Driving company vehicles and assisting with logistics on the day of the funeral.

Communicating professionally with clients and colleagues.

Participating in the out-of-hours on-call Rota one week in four.

Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation of vehicles and premises.

Competently using IT systems to assist with operational tasks.

Working Pattern

Full-time

, Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm (under review)
Occasional Saturday working may be required, with overtime paid.

or

Part-Time

, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday or Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 8am - 5pm

Person Specification

Essential:

Full UK driving licence with no more than 3 penalty points and a minimum of 2 years' driving experience

Confidence in using a range of IT systems and applications, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, and industry specific databases

Strong literacy skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate written communication

Good numeracy skills, with the ability to handle basic calculations, interpret data, and maintain accurate records

An effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage confidently with colleagues and clients.

A respectful, empathetic, and professional manner

Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively as part of a team

Maintains a high standard of personal grooming and hygiene

Physically fit and able to undertake manual handling duties

A willingness to work flexibly, including out-of-hours

The ability to maintain full discretion due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the role

Desirable:

Previous experience of working within the funeral profession or similar

Experienced in driving both manual and automatic vehicles.

Benefits

Salary: 29,484 per annum (pro-rata if p/t)

20 days annual leave and 8 public holidays (pro-rata if p/t)

Overtime and on-call payments

Workplace pension scheme

Full training and support provided

Opportunity for progression within a growing and respected business

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV

and a brief covering message to outline why you think you are suitable for this role

, to: Yvonne Porteous, Company Director
Email: yvonne@porteousfunerals.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 29,484.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension
Ability to commute/relocate:

Edinburgh EH14 5DA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 14/09/2025