Funeral director

Career path and progression

If you work for a large organisation, you could be promoted to branch, area or regional manager.

With experience and training, you could become a tutor and teach others how to become a funeral director.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• business management skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Business - Funeral directors run or manage funeral homes, which means handling budgets, pricing services, managing staff, and ensuring the business operates smoothly. They coordinate multiple suppliers – florists, transport, stonemasons – and need strong organisational and financial management skills.
• Psychology - Funeral directors work closely with people who are grieving and need to understand how emotions like shock, anger, and sadness affect behaviour. Being able to read people's reactions and respond with empathy is central to supporting families through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
• English Language - Funeral directors communicate with bereaved families, write formal notices and service details, and explain legal paperwork clearly and sensitively. They need to choose their words carefully in conversations and in writing, adapting their tone to suit each family's needs.
• Religious Studies - Funeral directors arrange services for people of many different faiths and beliefs, each with specific customs, rituals, and expectations around death and burial. Understanding religious traditions – from Christian burials to Hindu cremations to Muslim washing rites – helps them plan respectful and appropriate ceremonies.

Also relevant

• Law - Funeral directors need to understand the legal requirements around death registration, burial and cremation regulations, and the paperwork families must complete. They guide families through these legal processes and ensure everything is handled correctly and within the law.
• Sociology - Funeral directors serve diverse communities and need to understand how different cultures and social groups approach death, mourning, and remembrance. This awareness helps them offer services that are sensitive to each family's background and expectations.
• Accounting - Funeral directors manage the financial side of funeral arrangements, including quoting costs, invoicing families, and keeping track of payments to suppliers. Those running their own funeral homes also need to manage accounts, cash flow, and business finances.
• Philosophy - Funeral directors regularly engage with questions about life, death, meaning, and how people want to be remembered. An understanding of ethical thinking and different philosophical perspectives on mortality helps them have thoughtful conversations with families planning non-religious or personalised ceremonies.