Funeral Director reference: 1060121

Opportunity Review: Funeral Director with Co-op Funeralcare

This position as a Funeral Director with Co-op Funeralcare presents a unique and meaningful career path for individuals with a compassionate spirit and a strong commercial acumen. While previous experience in the funeral industry is not required, the role demands a unique blend of empathetic client support and diligent business management. This review highlights the key advantages and considerations for prospective candidates, aiming to guide you in assessing its suitability for your career aspirations.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: At its core, this role offers the profound opportunity to provide essential support and comfort to families during some of life's most challenging moments. You will be instrumental in delivering a caring and compassionate service.
• Industry Entry Without Prior Experience: Co-op Funeralcare actively seeks individuals with transferable skills, particularly in people management and commercial focus, making this an accessible entry point into a vital sector.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: The Co-op is renowned for its employee benefits, which include substantial discounts on Co-op products, generous holiday allowance, competitive pension contributions, and access to extensive employee support services like an Employee Assistance Programme, virtual GP, and free eye tests.
• Financial Well-being Tools: The inclusion of Wagestream, a money management app, offers financial flexibility by allowing access to a portion of earned pay before payday.
• Commitment to Development: The opportunity for "endless career development", including apprenticeships, signals a commitment to fostering employee growth within the organization.
• Supportive and Inclusive Environment: Co-op Funeralcare emphasizes a friendly, supportive team culture and actively promotes diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. The organization's commitment to the Disability Confident scheme is a testament to this.
• Community Focus: As part of the Co-op, a long-standing cooperative with a strong social purpose, you will be contributing to a business that prioritizes community well-being and aims to build a fairer world.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• On-Call Responsibilities: While the standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, candidates must be prepared to participate in an on-call rota. This requires flexibility and the ability to respond outside of regular business hours.
• Dual Nature of the Role: The position involves a balance between client-facing responsibilities and managerial/business tasks. This includes supporting funerals, conducting ceremonies, and potentially carrying the deceased, alongside ensuring client needs and KPIs are met.
• Regulated Work Requirements: Certain regulated tasks, such as funeral planning appointments, must be referred to a "certified colleague." Understanding and adhering to these procedures will be crucial.
• Essential Skills: Beyond empathy and people skills, a commercial mindset, a keen eye for detail, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a valid UK manual driving licence are essential requirements.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Be aware that the recruitment process includes online assessments and pre-employment screening, which may involve DBS checks, adverse media checks, an occupational health questionnaire, and social media activity review.

This Funeral Director role at Co-op Funeralcare offers a compelling proposition for individuals seeking a career that combines purpose with professional development. The organization's strong values, comprehensive benefits, and commitment to its people make it an attractive employer. Candidates should carefully consider the dual nature of the role and the on-call responsibilities to ensure a strong alignment with their personal and professional goals.