Driver and Bearer
| Posting date: | 25 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 24 April 2026 |
| Location: | London, UK |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Brooks Funeral Directors |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
We are seeking a reliable, compassionate, and professional Funeral Service Operative to join our team, specialising in driving and bearing duties. This vital role supports the Funeral Director in ensuring dignified and seamless funeral services, providing essential support to grieving families. The successful candidate must possess excellent driving skills, a professional demeanour, and the physical capability to assist with all service logistics.
Key Responsibilities
Driving and Transportation
Operate and maintain various funeral vehicles, including the hearse, limousine, and removal vehicles, ensuring they are impeccably clean, fueled, and presented to the highest standard.
Drive safely and respectfully during funeral processions, adhering strictly to timing and route requirements.
Transport the deceased (removals), equipment, flowers, and necessary personnel to and from the preparation room, family residences, hospitals, churches, cemeteries, and crematoria.
Assist with the dignified transfer of the deceased into the hearse and other vehicles.
Bearing and Service Support
Serve as a pallbearer (bearer) during funeral services, demonstrating physical competence and a solemn, respectful demeanour while carrying the coffin.
Assist the Funeral Director with the set-up and preparation of the service location, including placing floral arrangements, setting up stands, and positioning the coffin.
Ensure all necessary equipment (e.g., service sheets, music equipment) is accounted for and ready prior to the service.
Assist with the teardown of equipment after the service and ensure the safe return of all items to the funeral home.
Care and Removals (Collections)
Assist the Funeral Director with the dignified collection (removal) of the deceased from private homes, hospitals, and care facilities, often outside of normal working hours.
Handle the deceased with the utmost respect and care, following all established hygiene and professional protocols.
Assist with the basic preparation and movement of the deceased within the funeral home when required.
General Duties
Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of the garage, vehicle fleet, and service equipment.
Adhere to all company policies, health and safety regulations, and professional standards.
Represent the funeral home professionally at all times when interacting with colleagues, families, and third parties (e.g., clergy, cemetery staff).
Qualifications and Requirements
Experience: Previous experience in a role requiring professional driving and customer service is preferred. Familiarity with the funeral profession is advantageous but not essential.
Driving: A valid, clean UK driving license is essential. Experience driving larger or specialised vehicles is desirable.
Physical Requirements: Must be physically fit and capable of heavy lifting and manual handling (e.g., coffins, equipment) as a member of a team.
Availability: Must be flexible and willing to work on an 'on-call' rota, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, often at short notice.
Essential Skills and Attributes
Compassion and Discretion: Absolute empathy, patience, and a professional, respectful manner are paramount when dealing with the deceased and bereaved families.
Professional Appearance: Must maintain a consistently smart, immaculate appearance, appropriate for a funeral setting (uniform provided).
Teamwork: Excellent ability to work closely and effectively as part of a small team.
Reliability: Punctuality, trustworthiness, and a strong work ethic are non-negotiable.
Communication: Clear and respectful verbal communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
Driving and Transportation
Operate and maintain various funeral vehicles, including the hearse, limousine, and removal vehicles, ensuring they are impeccably clean, fueled, and presented to the highest standard.
Drive safely and respectfully during funeral processions, adhering strictly to timing and route requirements.
Transport the deceased (removals), equipment, flowers, and necessary personnel to and from the preparation room, family residences, hospitals, churches, cemeteries, and crematoria.
Assist with the dignified transfer of the deceased into the hearse and other vehicles.
Bearing and Service Support
Serve as a pallbearer (bearer) during funeral services, demonstrating physical competence and a solemn, respectful demeanour while carrying the coffin.
Assist the Funeral Director with the set-up and preparation of the service location, including placing floral arrangements, setting up stands, and positioning the coffin.
Ensure all necessary equipment (e.g., service sheets, music equipment) is accounted for and ready prior to the service.
Assist with the teardown of equipment after the service and ensure the safe return of all items to the funeral home.
Care and Removals (Collections)
Assist the Funeral Director with the dignified collection (removal) of the deceased from private homes, hospitals, and care facilities, often outside of normal working hours.
Handle the deceased with the utmost respect and care, following all established hygiene and professional protocols.
Assist with the basic preparation and movement of the deceased within the funeral home when required.
General Duties
Maintain the cleanliness and organisation of the garage, vehicle fleet, and service equipment.
Adhere to all company policies, health and safety regulations, and professional standards.
Represent the funeral home professionally at all times when interacting with colleagues, families, and third parties (e.g., clergy, cemetery staff).
Qualifications and Requirements
Experience: Previous experience in a role requiring professional driving and customer service is preferred. Familiarity with the funeral profession is advantageous but not essential.
Driving: A valid, clean UK driving license is essential. Experience driving larger or specialised vehicles is desirable.
Physical Requirements: Must be physically fit and capable of heavy lifting and manual handling (e.g., coffins, equipment) as a member of a team.
Availability: Must be flexible and willing to work on an 'on-call' rota, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, often at short notice.
Essential Skills and Attributes
Compassion and Discretion: Absolute empathy, patience, and a professional, respectful manner are paramount when dealing with the deceased and bereaved families.
Professional Appearance: Must maintain a consistently smart, immaculate appearance, appropriate for a funeral setting (uniform provided).
Teamwork: Excellent ability to work closely and effectively as part of a small team.
Reliability: Punctuality, trustworthiness, and a strong work ethic are non-negotiable.
Communication: Clear and respectful verbal communication skills.