Group Employment Legal Counsel

We're looking for a passionate Employment Lawyer to join our in-house legal team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in providing expert legal advice across a wide range of employment matters, partnering with our People and ER teams to help us stay ahead of the curve.

This is a hybrid role based at our Doncaster Group Support Centre, with 3 days a week onsite.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll:

• Report to the Group Head of Legal (Employment and Commercial), deputising for them when necessary.
• Deliver timely, specialist legal advice on contentious and non-contentious employment matters including contracts, disciplinary and grievance issues, absence, family leave, redundancy, restructuring, discrimination, and whistleblowing.
• Work closely with the ER function on daily matters, advising on case management, risk mitigation, and strategy.
• Draft employment contracts and conduct periodic reviews to ensure legal compliance and best practices.
• Support the development and renewal of employment policies, reflecting current best practices.
• Manage Employment Tribunal claims from start to finish, providing advocacy where appropriate, and advising on legal and commercial risks.
• Prepare and deliver training sessions to upskill the Group People team.
• Assist in advising on and implementing employment law aspects of key projects, including large-scale consultations.
• Represent the Group positively in interactions with external bodies and opposing counsel.
• Keep the business updated on legal developments and prepare regular legal updates for relevant teams.

The role is for you if

Don't worry if you don't meet all the requirements-if you have the skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

• A qualified solicitor (4+ years PQE) with strong employment law expertise.
• Excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Effective communicator, able to simplify complex legal advice.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills, persuasive with clients and opponents.
• Confident in providing tailored legal advice reflecting sound commercial judgment.
• Adept at building relationships and acting as a true business partner.
• Commercially minded, balancing legal risks and business priorities.
• Comfortable working with colleagues at all levels.
• Proactive, organized, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous in-house experience is a plus but not essential.

About DFS

We're home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company-three brands committed to great design and comfort, affordably and sustainably.

At DFS Group, everyone plays a part. We support our brands and serve our customers, shaping the future of furniture retail with a people-centered culture.

Everyone Welcome

We're dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We celebrate diversity, champion inclusion, and support various employee networks and initiatives.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Even if your experience doesn't match all criteria, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Benefits

• Car or car allowance - £6,000 per annum
• Annual bonus based on performance
• Hybrid working - 3 days in Doncaster, 2 days remote
• 25 days' holiday + 8 bank holidays, with options to buy extra days
• Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption)
• Paid volunteering day
• Staff discounts (30% off DFS and Sofology, plus savings at ASOS, IKEA, and more)
• Wellbeing perks including Employee Assistance Programme, healthcare, and gym discounts
• Pension & savings schemes, life assurance, and sick pay

• Private medical insurance (individual + family)
• Salary: Competitive salary + £6,000 car allowance + bonus + benefits
• Contract Type: Full-Time
• Closing Date: 01 October 2025
• Job Category: Office and Home Working
• Business Unit: DFS Corporate
• Location: Doncaster, UK (including Northern Ireland)