Group Employment Legal Counsel

DFS

  • Northern Ireland Doncaster
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 21 days ago
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 2-3 days a week onsite.What you'll be doingIn this role, you'll:
  • Reporting to the Group Senior Legal Counsel (Employment & Commercial), deputising for them when necessary
  • Responsible and accountable for the delivery of timely, specialist legal advice on a range of contentious and non-contentious employment matters including contracts, disciplinary and grievance, absence, family leave, redundancy and restructuring, discrimination, whistleblowing
  • Work closely with the ER function on day to day matters advising on managing and resolving cases, identifying and managing risk, with a focus on strategy
  • Draft contracts of employment and undertake periodic reviews, responsible for ensuring they reflect best practice and are kept legally up to date
  • Support the Group People function in drafting, developing and renewing the Group's employment policies, ensuring they reflect best practice
  • Leading the day to day management of Employment Tribunal claims from start to finish with minimal supervision and where appropriate providing advocacy at preliminary Tribunal hearings. Advising on legal and commercial risks and setting the defence strategy.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations/ training sessions to educate and up-skill the Group People team on a variety of topics
  • Support the Group Senior Legal Counsel - Employment and Group General Counsel in advising on and implementing key projects with employment law aspects, including those which involve large scale consultations
  • Represent the Group companies positively in interactions with external bodies and opposing Counsel
  • Responsible for keeping the business up to date with legal developments and horizon scanning for changes which will impact policy and practice, preparing regular legal updates for circulation to relevant business areas
The role is for you if...Don't worry if you don't meet all of the requirements - if you feel that you have the skills and experience for this role, then we'd really welcome your application.
  • A qualified solicitor (4+ years PQE) with strong employment law expertise.
  • A confident legal expert with excellent research, analytical, and drafting skills.
  • A natural communicator who can break down complex legal advice into clear, practical guidance.
  • Strong drafting and negtotiation skillls with a well honed ability to persuade both clients and opponents
  • Ability and confidence to give tailored legal advice hwich reflects sound judgement of commercial risk
  • Great at building relationships so that you can work as a true business partner, giving reasoned opinions on strategy and approach, not just a list of options.
  • A commercially minded professional who balances legal risk with business priorities.
  • A relationship builder, comfortable working with colleagues at all levels of the business.
  • A proactive, organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
  • Previous in-house experience is a plus, but not essential.
About DFSWe'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 WelcomeAcross 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 youDFS BenefitsCar or car allowance - £6,000 per annumAnnual bonus based on business performance.Hybrid working - 3 days in Doncaster, 2 days from home.25 days' holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 extra days.Enhanced family leave - including maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption leave.Paid volunteering day to support a cause you care about.Generous staff discounts - 30% off DFS and Sofology products, plus big-brand savings at ASOS, IKEA, and more.Wellbeing perks - including an Employee Assistance Programme, healthcare services, and discounted gym memberships.Pension & savings - Group pension and Sharesave schemes.Life assurance & sick pay for added peace of mind. * Private medical insurance (individual cover + your family )

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