Embalmer

Dignity Funerals; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading funeral service provider in York is looking for a skilled Embalmer to join their team. The role involves preparing the deceased with dignity while maintaining the highest professional standards. You will work closely with funeral directors, ensuring all preparations meet both internal and regulatory standards. Ideal candidates will have a Diploma in Embalming and a Full UK Driving Licence. The position offers comprehensive support and a meaningful role in providing care to families during an important time.

Benefits

30 - 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays

Company pension

Employee assistance programme

Life assurance

Annual company bonus

Qualifications

• Holds a Diploma in Embalming (BIE or equivalent).
• Fully qualified and registered with the British Institute of Embalmers preferred.
• Can work independently and as part of a close-knit care team.
• Comfortable working in a role that involves direct contact with the deceased.

Responsibilities

• Carry out embalming procedures to ensure hygienic preparation and natural presentation of the deceased.
• Reconstruct and restore features when necessary to aid viewing and comfort grieving families.
• Liaise with funeral colleagues to coordinate timing and preparation requirements.
• Ensure the mortuary is maintained to the highest levels of cleanliness and health & safety compliance.

Skills

Calm, respectful, and professional approach

Excellent attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Manual handling ability

Education

Diploma in Embalming (BIE or equivalent)

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

Position: Embalmer

Location: J Rymer Funeral Directors, York

Job Type: Full-time, 38.33 hours per week

Salary: Dependent upon experience & qualifications

We’re looking for a skilled and compassionate individual to join our team as an Embalmer at J Rymer Funeral Directors, York. As a vital part of our care team, you’ll be responsible for preparing the deceased to the highest possible standard, providing families with peace of mind and ensuring dignity is preserved at every stage. You'll play a key role behind the scenes, upholding the values of care, respect, and professionalism that define both your local brand and the wider Dignity Group.

Why This Role Matters

At Dignity, we believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect — in life and in death. Your role as an Embalmer is fundamental to that mission, helping families find comfort in knowing their loved one is being cared for with the utmost professionalism and compassion.

The Role

As an Embalmer, your primary focus will be on the hygienic preparation and presentation of the deceased. Working closely with funeral directors and operatives, you will ensure every individual receives the care and attention they deserve. Your technical skill and gentle approach will provide reassurance to families and ensure high standards are always met.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out embalming procedures to ensure hygienic preparation and natural presentation of the deceased
• Reconstruct and restore features when necessary to aid viewing and comfort grieving families
• Liaise with funeral colleagues to coordinate timing and preparation requirements
• Maintain accurate records of work performed in line with regulatory and internal standards
• Ensure the mortuary is maintained to the highest levels of cleanliness and health & safety compliance
• Manage mortuary supplies and equipment, reporting any faults or stock issues
• Support with staff training or mentoring of trainee embalmers, if required
• Adhere to all relevant professional, legal and ethical standards

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Holds a Diploma in Embalming (BIE or equivalent)
• Is fully qualified and registered with the British Institute of Embalmers (preferred)
• Has a calm, respectful, and professional approach to work
• Demonstrates excellent attention to detail and high standards of presentation
• Can work independently and as part of a close-knit care team
• Is physically able to undertake manual handling and mortuary duties
• Holds a Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
• Is comfortable working in a role that involves direct contact with the deceased

What We Offer

• A meaningful role helping families say goodbye with dignity and care
• Full support, training, and development opportunities
• 30 - 33 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Company pension, employee assistance programme, and life assurance
• Uniform and necessary equipment provided
• Annual company bonus

What are the next steps?

If this sounds like the right role for you and you’re ready to bring care and professionalism to an essential service, simply click the ‘apply’ button. A member of our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

About Us

We are Dignity, one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted funeral providers, with over 200 years of history, 570 branches, and 46 crematoria. From launching the UK’s first funeral plan to helping shape modern regulation, we have led the way in supporting families with care, compassion, and professionalism. Now we are building the UK’s leading end of life company. As part of the Dignity Group, we also operate Farewill, the country’s largest will writer and one of the UK’s top probate providers, giving families support not just at the funeral, but before and after as well. Today we are over 4,000 people across the UK, all driven by the same goal: to care for families with compassion and make the UK a world leader in end of life care. Here to help, whenever you need.

FCA Statement

We’re regulated by the FCA, so some roles may be subject to background checks.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We know that diverse teams make better decisions, build better products, and create a better 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.

Agency Submissions

Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

We reserve the right depending on application numbers to close or extend the closing dates for positions; we would therefore recommend an early application.