The role

We are looking for a Funeral Arranger / Administrator to join our team in Truro.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll support bereaved families from their first contact with us through to the completion of the funeral arrangements. You’ll be responsible for ensuring every funeral is planned with care, professionalism and attention to detail, while providing exceptional customer service throughout.

You’ll work on:

• supporting families to arrange funerals that reflect their wishes and those of their loved ones,
• completing all legal, internal and external documentation required for the funeral to take place,
• liaising with crematoria, cemeteries, churches, celebrants, hospitals, care homes, doctors, coroners and other organisations to coordinate funeral arrangements,
• maintaining regular contact with families before and after the funeral as required,
• supporting colleagues with a wide range of office administration and financial administration duties.

Continuity of care is central to the service we provide. Wherever possible, you’ll support the same family throughout their arrangements, building trust and ensuring a compassionate, personal service.

You’ll be involved in every aspect of our business. You must be eligible to work in the UK.

Working pattern and salary

This is a permanent, full-time role.

Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (30-minute unpaid lunch break).

You’ll receive:

• annual salary of £24,700,
• company pension,
• 20 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays,
• six-month probationary period.

Responsibilities

This is an office-based role in Truro, Cornwall.

You’ll be expected to:

• meet with families to discuss and arrange funerals,
• guide families through the legal and practical aspects of arranging a funeral,
• complete all paperwork accurately to ensure funerals can proceed without delay,
• work closely with hospitals, nursing homes, crematoria, cemeteries, councils, churches, ministers, celebrants, doctors and coroners’ offices,
• answer telephone enquiries and provide support to clients both over the phone and in person,
• welcome visitors to our office and provide refreshments where appropriate,
• arrange appointments and Chapel of Rest viewing appointments,
• accompany families during Chapel of Rest visits where required,
• arrange the removal of deceased persons from hospitals, care homes and private addresses,
• assist with identity checks and other duties involving the deceased where appropriate,
• maintain regular communication with families before and after the funeral.

When not working directly with clients, you’ll also be expected to:

• complete monthly VAT returns,
• prepare and issue invoices,
• manage funeral donations,
• manage petty cash and banking,
• raise purchase orders,
• order office stationery and supplies,
• complete filing, scanning, photocopying and correspondence,
• maintain accurate funeral records and indexed filing systems,
• ensure compliance with GDPR and statutory documentation requirements,
• support colleagues with manual handling of coffins and the deceased when required,
• undertake any other reasonable duties requested by your line manager,
• provide cover for colleagues during holidays, sickness and training.

Our service must always be first class. The care, dignity and consideration shown to our clients and their families is of the utmost importance.

Requirements

To work as a Funeral Arranger / Administrator at W. J. Beswetherick, you’ll ideally need:

• experience of arranging funerals, ideally with a recognised funeral industry qualification (Certificate in Funeral Service or Certificate in Funeral Practice).

• excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• an excellent telephone manner,
• confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook,
• exceptional administration skills with a high level of accuracy,
• excellent organisation and time management skills,
• the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and manage competing deadlines,
• empathy, patience and the ability to communicate sensitively with bereaved families,
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team,
• a confident but calm and approachable manner,
• flexibility to accommodate the needs of clients, including occasional later finishing times,
• a smart, professional appearance,
• a full, clean manual driving licence.

The successful applicant will be subject to identity and DBS checks.

About W. J. Beswetherick and Son

For over 60 years, the Beswetherick family has provided support and care to families across Cornwall during some of life’s most difficult times.

One of Truro’s longest established independent funeral directors, the business was founded in 1959 by William John Beswetherick and is now in its third generation.

Our reputation has been built on providing a caring, respectful and professional service. We listen carefully to every family, understand their wishes and guide them through the funeral arranging process with compassion, honesty and attention to detail.

If you’re interested in joining our team and helping families at an important time in their lives, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Please send your CV to Simon Pennycook: simon.pennycook@wjbeswetherick.co.uk