Senior Risk Partner

What you'll be doing

In this role, you’ll:

● Lead the implementation and delivery of the Group Risk Strategy, driving key operational risk objectives across the team.

● Take ownership of identifying, capturing, and reporting principal risks and material controls, supporting the Senior Leadership Team and Group Leadership Team (GLT) in assessing risks and implementing mitigation strategies.

● Conduct comprehensive risk assessments, leveraging internal and external knowledge to identify potential threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts.

● Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices,providing guidance on risk governance frameworks.

● Support the embedding of a strong risk culture across the Group, including training, development, and ongoing risk awareness initiatives.

● Build strong stakeholder relationships across the business to support documentation, assessment, and mitigation of identified risks.

● Provide strategic risk advice to the leadership team, evaluating emerging risks and opportunities to inform key business decisions.

● Monitor and report on emerging risks and trends, ensuring they are effectively captured and managed within the risk management framework.

● Collaborate with the risk team, legal, and compliance functions to define, assess,and manage risks.

● Ensure the Group Board receives accurate MI and documentation to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code, particularly regarding risk management

● Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture, supporting peers and the broader risk function.

The role is for you if...

We’re looking for experience in:

● Proven experience in a Risk Partner role within a PLC, with a strong understanding of risk management principles and practices.

● Ability to provide consistent advice, guidance, and training to stakeholders across the Group.

● Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

● Proficient in using data and analytics to provide visibility, insights, and informed risk recommendations.

● Collaborative approach, balancing commercial considerations with effective risk management.

● Demonstrated leadership, communication, and people management skills,fostering a culture of compliance and ethical behaviour.

● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of reviewing processes and providing actionable insights.

● Experience preparing reports and presentations for senior stakeholders, including the GLT and Audit Committee.

● Ability to continuously review and enhance risk management processes 

● Experience working closely with legal and regulatory compliance teams to define,assess, and manage risks.

About DFS

We’re home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company - three distinctive brands with a shared mission to bring great design and comfort into every home, affordably, responsibly, and sustainably.

At DFS Group, everyone plays a part. Whether you’re supporting our brands or serving our customers, you’re helping shape the future of furniture retail. Each brand has its own identity and creative direction, but we’re united by a culture that puts people and purpose at the heart of everything we do.

Everyone Welcome

Across our Group, we're committed to a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and can thrive at work. We celebrate diverse voices, champion inclusion, and support each other through our growing colleague networks. We invest in partnerships that drive change, from supporting Doncaster Pride and introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, to partnering with Carers UK and developing leaders with Diversity in Retail. 

We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. So, if your experience doesn't quite match the specification, we'd still really love to hear from you

DFS Benefits

• Potential Annual Bonus Scheme: Contribute to our success and get rewarded for it
• Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us
• Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year
• Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family - and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA
• Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships
• Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes
• Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay