Position: Funeral Service Specialist
Location: John Bardgett & Sons Funeral Directors, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Job Type: Part time, permanent – Monday to Friday 10am – 2pm
Salary: £13,936.00 per annum plus commission (OTE: £2-3k per annum)
We’re looking for an empathetic and well‑organised individual to join our team at John Bardgett & Sons Funeral Directors as a Funeral Service Specialist (Level One). You’ll be the first person families speak to, offering reassurance and support while ensuring every detail is handled with care and professionalism.
Based at our branch in Newcastle Upon Tyne, you’ll take pride in the day‑to‑day running of the branch, supporting families, ensuring high standards, and building trusted local relationships. To become the arranger of choice in your community, you’ll also be trained to provide guidance on Funeral Plans and support with ceremonial duties when required.
Why This Role Matters
Being a Funeral Service Specialist means playing a central part in one of life’s most significant moments. You’re often the first person a grieving family turns to, and your presence can shape how they remember the most difficult of days.
Your Impact And Responsibilities
This role calls for empathy, confidence, and attention to detail. It’s about guiding people through funeral arrangements with care, introducing them to the support we can offer, and ensuring every detail is taken care of. You will be a steady, professional hand when people need it most.
* Supporting families with empathy, professionalism, and attention to detail
* Arrange funerals that meet family wishes, cultural practices, and legal requirements – offering all relevant products
* Oversee day‑to‑day branch operations, including administration and presentation
* Liaise with suppliers such as ministers, celebrants, and florists
* Lead chapel visits, as required, supporting the families with their requests
* Take accountability for raising awareness of funeral plans and contributing to plan sales within the branch
* Represent the branch in the local community and contribute to outreach
* Train in Funeral Conducting to assist with ceremonial duties during peak times
* Uphold Dignity’s standards of professionalism, care, and service
Skills And Knowledge
* Compassion, calmness, and empathy in emotionally sensitive situations
* Communication, organisation, and administrative skills – confident with legal paperwork
* Confident working independently with branch‑level responsibility
* Comfortable in settings where the deceased may be resting, including chapel visits
* Willingness to work flexibly (including weekends/on‑call if needed)
* A full UK driving licence (desirable, not essential) – ability to travel to client homes and local branches is important
* Experience in customer service, care, or admin (beneficial – complete training is provided)
What We Offer
* Professional development: a comprehensive induction plan and the opportunity to complete in‑house development programmes. Options to pursue a qualification through our apprenticeship programme.
* Memorialisation commission potential: up to £2,000.00 OTE per annum
* Bonus potential: additional bonuses for outstanding performance
* Life assurance cover to secure your family’s future
* Health & wellbeing programme: an employee assistance programme that supports your health and wellbeing
* Holiday allowance: generous leave entitlement of 30‑33 days per year, inclusive of bank holidays
* Pension scheme: contributory pension scheme to help you save for a secure retirement
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We know that diverse teams make better decisions, build better products, and create a more inclusive place to work. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your life looks like, we’d love to hear from you. And if there’s anything you need to make the process more accessible, please let us know.
FCA Statement
The FCA regulates us so that some roles may be subject to background checks.
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