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.About DFSDid 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.What you'll be doingBe a subject matter expert within nominated ER Specialisms, taking additional responsibility for that area and coaching other team membersTake 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 casesAble to determine priority cases, deciding on the best approach on a case by case basis and in line with DFS Group policies and proceduresAble to offer balanced advice, where appropriate working in partnership with internal and external legal team/solicitors to review complex cases and limit/balance riskLead key ER meetingsSupport 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 appealWork collaboratively with HRBP’s to establish strategies in different business areas to address trends and progress the Group People PlanProactively identify and implement process improvementsWhere appropriate lead on settlement discussions and facilitated meetings to drive case resolutionLiaise/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 claimsSupport and coach People Advisors within our People Services team to facilitate a growth of knowledge and experienceReview, create and update policies and procedures and all associated documentation i.e. guides/letters/formsDevelop and deliver training to build knowledge, capability and understanding for managers and provide ad hoc coaching as neededThe role is for you if...Good track record of managing high volumes of ER CasesA true enthusiasm for ER case managementA current and in depth understanding of employment law and its practical applicationResilience and the ability to cope well under pressure, dealing effectively with conflicting demandsAbility to operate in significant ambiguity and advise in ‘grey areas’ of employee relationsKey team player and ability to flex priorities to support the teamStrong communication and influencing skills with the ability to interact across all levels of managementExcellent attention to detail, able to multitask and deal with high volume workloadProvide great customer service for our leaders and colleagues across the business Strong analytical skillsAble to travel throughout the UK as needed to achieve the responsibilities and accountabilities detailed aboveExperience / 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 proceduresCIPD qualified or relevant experience gained
