Funeral Director

Role overview

Co-op is recruiting a Funeral Director for its Torquay branch. This is a full-time on-site position based in Torquay, TQ2 7NY, with a salary of £29,776 per year (£15.27 per hour) plus benefits. The working pattern is 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, with participation in an on-call rota covering Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

No prior experience is required. The role calls for someone who is compassionate, commercially aware, and comfortable balancing client care with managerial and business responsibilities.

Main purpose of the role

As part of Co-op Funeralcare, you will help families at a difficult time by delivering a respectful, caring, and professional service. The role sits at the centre of the service offering and combines client relationship management, operational duties, and support during funerals.

Key duties

• Ensure client expectations, service standards, and KPIs are achieved.
• Act as the primary contact for clients, offering guidance and support alongside the wider team.
• Assist with funeral services, including leading the ceremony, directing the team, and carrying the deceased when required.
• Refer all regulated activity, including funeral planning appointments, to a certified colleague.
• Develop and sustain positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, and the local community.

Role requirements

Typical tasks in Funeralcare may involve direct physical contact with the deceased as part of normal duties, although the extent of contact depends on the role. Common responsibilities can include preparation, transport, and personal care of the deceased, all performed with professionalism, dignity, respect, and strict attention to health and safety. Applicants should think carefully about their comfort with this aspect of the job before applying.

The ideal candidate will bring a commercial mindset, experience in a managerial role, strong customer focus, excellent attention to detail, empathy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. A UK manual driving licence is required.

Benefits

• 30% discount on Co-op branded food store products throughout the year.
• 10% discount on other brands in Co-op food stores year-round.
• Additional savings on other Co-op products and services.
• 23 days of holiday, pro rata, increasing with service.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 10%.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme with confidential support available 24/7.
• Virtual GP access and free eye tests.
• Career development opportunities, including apprenticeships.
• Supportive team culture and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the community.
• Access to Stream, a pay-on-demand money management app that lets you access part of your earned wages early.

Recruitment and screening

Applicants will need to complete an online assessment that takes around 20 minutes. Successful candidates will then go through pre-employment checks, which include a DBS check, adverse media screening, and an occupational health questionnaire to confirm fitness for the role. The recruitment process also includes review of social media activity on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Any employment offer will depend on the successful completion of these checks.

Inclusion and workplace support

Co-op says it is building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities it serves. The company welcomes applications from everyone and aims to create a workplace where colleagues feel included and supported. It is part of the Disability Confident scheme and offers interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria. Adjustments during recruitment can be arranged if needed.