Employee Relations Specialist

It takes a whole lot of passion to be at the centre of what makes a house feel like home — and that’s just what we do at DFS. We’re the leading sofa retail specialist in the UK, helping people find a comfy seat on their great quality sofas since 1969.

We're a market leader in the UK because of one thing: our people. Our people made us who we are and will drive us into our ambitious future, together. We offer incredible opportunities to get stuck into fun and meaningful work as well as learn new skills — so you can really ‘find your thing’.

Are you ready to make yourself at DFS?

To provide proactive and efficient specialist support to the business on all areas of Employee Relations, with key responsibilities including:

• Take full ownership of escalated ER casework from start to finish
• Key contact for colleagues, line managers and HRBP’s to provide specialist ER advice in both informal interventions as well as complex, high risk or high profile cases
• Able to determine priority cases, deciding on the best approach on a case by case basis and in line with DFS Group policies and procedures.
• Able to offer balanced advice, where appropriate working in partnership with internal and external legal team/solicitors to review complex cases and limit/balance risk
• Lead key ER meetings
• Support key business change projects
• Coach and advise line managers (up to and including Directors), developing expertise in managing disciplinary, grievances, capability and performance related issues, through to appeal
• Work collaboratively with HRBP’s to establish strategies in different business areas to address trends and progress the people plan
• Proactively identify and implement process improvements
• Where appropriate, lead on settlement discussions and facilitated meetings to drive case resolution
• Liaise/work with ACAS and both internal and external legal team/solicitors for all employment law claims (including Early Conciliation and tribunals) to provide full support (including witness support prior and during tribunals) to defend claims
• Be a subject matter expert within nominated ER Specialisms, taking additional responsibility for that area and coaching other team members
• Support and coach People Advisors and Administrators within our People Services team to facilitate a growth of knowledge and experience
• Review, create and update policies and procedures and all associated documentation i.e. guides/letters/forms
• Develop and deliver training to build knowledge, capability and understanding for managers and provide ad hoc coaching as needed

Capabilities Required:

• Good track record of managing high volume ER Cases
• A true enthusiasm for ER case management
• A current and in depth understanding of employment law and its practical application
• Resilience and the ability to cope well under pressure, dealing effectively with conflicting demands
• Ability to operate in significant ambiguity and advise in ‘grey areas’ of employee relations
• Key team player and ability to flex priorities to support the team
• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to interact across all levels of management
• Excellent attention to detail, able to multitask and deal with high volume workload
• Provide great customer service for our leaders and colleagues across the business
• Strong analytical skills
• Able to travel throughout the UK as needed to achieve the responsibilities and accountabilities detailed above

Experience / Qualifications:

• Proven work experience as an ER specialist or relevant role
• Experience with HR software preferred, but not essential
• Computer literacy (Google Workplace in particular)
• Experience reviewing policies and procedures
• CIPD qualified or relevant experience gained

• We want you to really feel at home at DFS, with the support you need to do your best work, as well as a range of great benefits:

  
  
  • A huge 30% colleague discount, plus 15% friends & family discount across our Group (DFS, Sofology, Dwell)
  • Holiday allowance – the time you need to rest and relax (and the longer you’re with us, the more time you’ll get!)
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to give you the time you need to settle in with your new family member
  • Access to a range of high street & online discounts from: Sainsbury’s, ASOS, Currys PC World, IKEA, John Lewis and more.
  • Discounted Gym and Cinema memberships to help you unwind
  • Progression and Development opportunities to grow your skills
  • Group Pension Scheme
  • Group Sharesave Scheme
  • Life Assurance & Company Sick Pay
  
  

  Ready to make yourself at DFS? Click ‘Apply online’ now to fill in an application form — with you in our corner, we just know we’ll do great things together.

  
  [All roles are subject to satisfactory references and DBS check.]

We’re a family of individuals passionate about building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We love to celebrate and encourage our people to be their true selves. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital state, or disability status. Everyone is welcome!