Job Introduction
About us
At DFS Group, we’re proud to help people create spaces they love to live in. We’re home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company: three brands with their own personalities, brought together by a shared mission.
Behind our brands is a passionate Group team. From Finance and Technology to People, Marketing and Supply Chain, our Group functions power everything we do. They create the foundations that allow our brands to thrive, innovate and grow.
Whether you’re supporting our brands or serving our customers, the mindset that connects us means we expect more of ourselves and each other. It means every customer is our favourite, every voice is valued, and every interaction is one we’re proud of.
When you’re part of a community that shares your way of thinking, the wins feel bigger. The effort feels worth it. It’s a place where people stay because they feel valued, and find room to grow because they’re challenged.
About the role
As a payroll specialist you will be processing end-to-end payroll, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing of weekly/monthly payroll, auto-enrolment, pensions, expenses, over-payments, employment tax, and continuous improvement within area of responsibility. Partnering with business area's to provide support to colleagues, managers, and HR BPs. The role acts as a critical link with the business area of responsibility, focusing on support and customer service.
What you’ll be responsible for
Providing operational support to Payroll Team Leadership to enable delivery of high-quality payroll and pensions services, partnering with business areas to provide support.
Adhering to service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring performance outcomes are aligned with wider business objectives.
Engaging with the culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, taking ownership of assigned areas of responsibility, knowledge sharing with other members of the team and the wider business, and proactive problem-solving.
Focusing on performance and development, engaging with learning and development opportunities.
Delivering accurate and timely reports of payroll, pensions, and colleague expenses processing in assigned area of responsibility, ensuring full compliance with internal controls, statutory requirements, and regulatory frameworks (including HMRC, pension legislation, and audit standards).
Acting as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, building strong, effective relationships with Finance, People, Wider Business and third-party providers to manage risk, resolve issues, and support governance requirements, specifically in area of responsibility.
Focusing on standardisation, automation, and process improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to reduce manual intervention, increase efficiency, improve controls, and enhance the overall employee experience.
Following established best practice guidelines to deliver service within a robust controls framework
Becoming an expert of end-to-end Payroll & Pensions processes, ensuring that is accurate, efficient, and fully compliant
Identifying areas for improvement and agility in response to business change
Maintaining trusted and connected relationships with stakeholders in area of responsibility to understand business needs/opportunities and deliver outcomes that benefit the team, Finance department, and wider business
Communicating with clarity and context in written and verbal communication
Providing knowledge to support the area of responsibility of payroll & pensions administration
We’re looking for someone who has
Minimum 3 years experience in end-to-end payroll and pensions processing
Can demonstrate their experience in supporting new technologies and/or systems changes
Has a robust understanding of UK and ROI payroll and pensions
An understanding of financial controls, compliance, regulatory requirements, and payroll & pensions legislation
Experience testing new functionality and training team members
Experience in cross-functional stakeholder management
Knowledge of Microsoft and G Suite applications
Experience across payroll & expenses software and pensions platforms
Experienced user of MHR iTrent, Standard Life platforms desirable
Professional CIPP Payroll Technician qualification or Payroll Level 3 apprenticeship desirable
Don't let it discourage you if you don't have all of this experience, it's a guideline that will help you hit the ground running. If the role sounds like it would be a great fit for you and you're confident that it suits you, we'd love you to apply.
Room to grow
Everyone at DFS Group begins with a structured induction designed to help you understand our brands, our culture and how we work together.
From day one, you will have access to our online Learning Hub, filled with digital courses, tools and resources to support your development.
For leaders, we offer virtual workshops focused on building confident, capable leadership. We also run skills-based workshops to strengthen core capabilities across the business.
Colleagues can also undertake nationally recognised qualifications through our apprenticeship programmes, giving you the opportunity to gain external accreditation while you grow your career with us.
Our DFS Group benefits
We believe great work deserves great support. That’s why we offer benefits that help you grow, feel looked after, and enjoy life beyond work. Here’s what we have to offer:
22 days holiday, plus the option to buy up to 5 more
Enhanced family leave, with up to 20 weeks at 90% pay after one year, or 10 weeks at 90% if you’ve been with us less than a year
Health cash plan from £2 a month, with everyday cashback
Employee Assistance Programme for support when you need it
Extras like flu vouchers, menopause support and health check
Pension with company contributions
Life assurance for peace of mind
Sharesave scheme to save each month and invest in our future
Structured induction from day one
Access to our Learning Hub and skills workshops
Leadership development and apprenticeship programmes
30% colleague discount, plus 15% for friends and family, three times a year
Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
SmartTech scheme to buy tech up to £1,000 through salary sacrifice
Cycle to Work scheme for bikes and accessories up to £1,500
Electric vehicle lease scheme with Octopus to help you save and reduce your impact
One paid volunteering day each year
Equal opportunities
We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and makes room for different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.
We turn that commitment into action through colleague networks, trusted partnerships and recognised accessibility initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
If your experience does not quite match every part of the role, we’d still love to hear from you.
If you need any adjustments or additional support during the application process, please contact our Talent Team at [email protected], and we will be happy to help.