Your new role
We’re looking for a proactive and experienced Employee Relations Specialist to join our HR team and play a key role in supporting our people and leaders across the business. In this specialist role, you’ll provide expert guidance on all areas of employee relations, helping to shape a fair, inclusive, and high-performing workplace.
You’ll take ownership of complex and high-risk ER casework from start to finish, acting as a trusted advisor to colleagues, line managers, and HR Business Partners. As a subject matter expert in your designated ER specialism, you’ll also support the wider team through coaching and knowledge sharing.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact, using your expertise to influence outcomes and drive best practice in line with DFS Group policies and procedures.
What you'll be doing
Be a subject matter expert within nominated ER Specialisms, taking additional responsibility for that area and coaching other team members
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 Group 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
Support and coach People Advisors 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
The role is for you if...
Good track record of managing high volumes of 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
About DFS
Did you know a DFS sofa is in one-third of Britain’s homes? Since 1969, we’ve been creating, marketing, and selling sofas that reflect people’s unique styles and tastes. We’ve always led the market, bringing comfort and great design to communities both online and in person.
We’re the UK’s leading sofa retail specialist, but here’s the secret to our success - it’s our people. They’re at the heart of what we do, and together, they’re crafting us towards our ambitious future.