Funeral Operative

Funeral Operative

Basingstoke | £26,600 basic + on-call allowance and call-out payments (realistic earnings circa £32,000)

My client is a long-established, highly respected, family-run Funeral Directors based in Basingstoke. They are now seeking a dedicated and reliable Funeral Operative to join their close-knit team.

This is not a standard 9–5 role. It is a hands-on, physically active position that requires professionalism, resilience, teamwork, and compassion. The work is varied and meaningful, supporting families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

While empathy and professionalism are essential, this role would particularly suit someone who enjoys practical, active work and takes pride in maintaining high standards. A significant part of the role involves lifting and carrying, preparing vehicles, and supporting the smooth running of funeral services behind the scenes.

No previous experience within the funeral profession is required as full training will be provided. What matters most is attitude, reliability, willingness to learn, and being someone the team can depend on.

The Role

Responsibilities include:

• Attending funerals as a bearer and driver, ensuring every service is delivered with dignity and respect
• Participating in a 24-hour on-call rota (typically one week in three) to bring the deceased into care from the place of death
• Supporting the Funeral Directors with the care of the deceased
• Accurate record keeping and careful handling of personal belongings
• Assisting within the funeral home, including supporting the embalmer and helping prepare coffins and caskets
• Preparing, cleaning, and maintaining company vehicles to exceptionally high standards
• Checking floral tributes and ensuring funeral services run smoothly and professionally
• Supporting families in a calm, respectful, and professional manner

Important Information About the Role

This is a practical and physically demanding role. Candidates must be comfortable with:

• Frequent lifting and carrying
• Manual, hands-on work
• Cleaning and preparing vehicles
• Working as part of a team in a fast-moving environment

The Funeral Director remains the main point of contact with families and leads arrangements, but the Funeral Operative plays a vital supporting role behind the scenes and during services.

Requirements

• Full UK driving licence
• Ability to participate in the on-call rota
• Ability to reach the office within 60 minutes when on call, including access to transport during the night
• Physically fit and comfortable with manual work
• Calm, professional, and positive approach
• Strong communication skills and naturally empathetic manner
• Organised, reliable, and able to prioritise tasks effectively
• Team player with a willingness to learn and support colleagues

What’s on Offer

• £26,600 basic salary
• Additional on-call allowance and call-out payments
• Realistic earnings of around £32,000 per annum
• Full training and long-term career opportunity
• Supportive, team-focused working environment
• Meaningful and rewarding work where you genuinely make a difference

This is a unique opportunity to join a respected family business where care, professionalism, and teamwork are at the heart of everything they do.

If you are reliable, practical, physically capable, and looking for meaningful work where no two days are the same, we would love to hear from you.