Heart of England Co-operative Society – Funeral Division

Heart of England Co-op Funerals is a small, independent, regional business operating through 16 funeral homes across Coventry, Warwickshire, South Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of professionalism, dignity and compassionate care to every family we serve.

We are seeking a dedicated and community-focused Community Funeral Director to be based at our Foleshill Road branch in Coventry, with flexibility to support other Coventry branches as required.

A Role at the Heart of the Community

This role is ideally suited to someone who is well-connected within the local community and has experience arranging and delivering funerals in accordance with a range of cultural and religious traditions, including (but not limited to) Hindu, Sikh, Jewish and other faith communities represented within the local area. An understanding of religious customs, ceremonial requirements, and cultural sensitivities is essential. 

The successful candidate will act as a trusted professional within the community, supporting families with empathy, respect and expertise at one of the most significant times in their lives.

About the Role

As a Community Funeral Director, you will take responsibility for overseeing funerals from the point of arrangement through to the day of service, ensuring operational excellence and outstanding client care throughout. You will work both independently and as part of a team, sometimes under pressure, maintaining exceptional attention to detail and professionalism at all times.

Hours: 39 hours per week.

Participation in the Saturday rota and flexibility to cover evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Acting as an ambassador for the Funeral Division and the Society at all times
• Conducting funeral arrangements and overseeing service delivery
• Managing and leading funeral services on the day with professionalism and dignity
• Ensuring dignified and respectful care of the deceased
• Liaising with clergy, celebrants, crematoria, cemeteries and third-party providers
• Supporting Chapel of Rest visitations
• Offering the full range of funeral products and services, including pre-paid funeral plans
• Participating in community engagement activity to promote the Society
• Ensuring all documentation and processes comply with Society policies, Health & Safety standards, NAFD guidance and regulatory requirements
• Supporting branch performance in funeral volumes and service excellence

Core Skills & Experience:

• Previous experience as a Funeral Director or Senior Funeral Arranger (preferred)
• Established professional networks and community engagement experience within the local area are highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of multi-faith funeral customs and local community practices
• Demonstrable commitment to exceptional client service
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Professional appearance and calm, empathetic manner
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to undertake the physical requirements of the role, with reasonable adjustments considered where appropriate
• IT literate with good numeracy skills
• Ability to work flexibly and respond to operational demands

Pre-Employment Checks

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and references.

What We Offer

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 10% Colleague Discount in our food stores and coffee shops

• Double discount on 4-weekly pay weekends in our food stores

• Colleague discount on at-need funerals and pre-paid funeral plans

• Pension scheme 3.3% employer contribution

• 30 days holiday (incl bank holidays) rising with length of service

• FAB furniture discount of 15%

• Enhanced maternity pay

• Enhanced redundancy pay

• Discounts and savings platform – My Staff Shop

• Wagestream

• EAP with GP Access – referrals, prescription service, GP consultations, phone and in-person counselling

• Refer A Friend Scheme

• Long Service Award

• Support for eye care

• Financial and Wellbeing support from: Co-op Credit Union, Grocery Aid

• Life Insurance 2 x salary

• Health Assured Bereavement Support

• Health Assured Wellbeing Services, including My Healthy Advantage mobile app

• ZGP24 Service providing video and phone consultations, open referrals and prescription service

• Crisis 24 – Worldwide security and health information service

• Terminal illness support