Head of Internal Communications & Engagement

Reporting to the People Director, the Head of Internal Communications will have full accountability for the delivery of a comprehensive communication and listening strategy for the Group. As a key member of the Operational People Leadership Team, they will work in parallel with the People Director to partner the Group Leadership Team and the Group Leadership Forum, where necessary. The Head of Internal Communications will play a key part in the development of our culture in support of delivering successes in both the commercial and operational aspects of our business.
About DFS
Make yourself at home
It takes a whole lot of passion to be at the centre of what makes a house feel like home and thats just what we do at DFS. Were the leading sofa retail specialist in the UK, helping people find a comfy seat on their great quality sofas since 1969.
We're a market leader in the UK because of one thing: our people. Our people made us who we are and will drive us into our ambitious future, together. We offer incredible opportunities to get stuck into fun and meaningful work as well as learn new skills so you can really find your thing.
DFS Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer; celebrating diversity and committed to a culture of inclusion and belonging. We extend a warm welcome to everyone, embracing a variety of voices and perspectives. As we continue to work on building a workplace that is representative of the customers we serve and the communities we live and work in, we strongly encourage applications from members of minority and under-represented groups. Across the Group, we want to create an environment where everyone feels at home.
Are you ready to make yourself at DFS?
What you'll be doing
Lead the design, development and implementation of internal communications and engagement strategy and execution, across all Group audiences.
Support BAU comms across a wide range of communication channels, including digital, print, broadcast, website, video and film.
Lead a team of experienced internal communicators, currently a team of four, in a way that develops high performance.
Ensure that the team of internal communicators support each of our Group Brands EVPs, whilst maintaining a view of the Group Wide picture at all times.
Ownership of our Employer Brands, ensuring we can effectively attract and retain colleagues to our brands through measurement and evolution in line with each brands EVP.
Partner, provide guidance, and act as a sounding board and source of communication expertise for senior leaders, people leaders and key workstreams, to deliver high quality creatively strong content and messaging.
Own the development and delivery of our approach to measuring colleague engagement, providing best in class reporting and insights to our leadership team, year round.
Be an advocate for the Group People Strategy and the Internal Communications Strategy, ensuring leaders understand the strategy and plan, working proactively with senior executives, business leaders and stakeholders to embed the business strategy and vision.
Own the development and measurement of our Employer Brands across the Group, offering insights and adopting an approach of continuous improvement
Lead and oversee our change programmes, ensuring we are embedding required behaviour change through our internal communications, with a particular focus supporting our leaders to deliver the desired outcomes within their own teams.
Lead and develop a team of communicators, ensuring they are delivering high-quality work across their roles and projects, and providing opportunity for stretch and development.
Work within project groups when needed, to ensure that high impact communications and projects are supported from concept phase to delivery.
Initiate and create innovative employee communications content with a multi-channel approach that offers impact and value for money.
As part of your role, support the business' crisis communications efforts as required. Work closely with PR & social media leads to tackle any issues and repurpose news content for different audiences.
Lead on the delivery of our financial results announcements, including supporting the Group CEO and CFO in managing the recording, broadcast and Q&A with our shareholders and analysts
The role is for you if...
Significant experience working within a Communications function in a leadership role.
Ability to work autonomously, but naturally inclined to seek input and perspective from a wide range of stakeholders - both internally and externally
Strong experience in professional services, financial or corporate communications function - either in an in-house or agency capacity or both
Experience of being a trusted advisor operating at all levels, across complex reporting structures, influencing outcomes
Uses creativity and fresh thinking to continually improve internal communications strategy
Ability to engage with leadership teams and senior stakeholders, establishing rapport and trust to successfully establish credibility in the role of expert adviser providing counsel and guidance
Develops strong networks with individuals and drives a collaborative approach across functions
Entrepreneurial, responsive and delivery-focused - able to turn around quality work swiftly and get things done and resilient to changing needs and evolving plans
Curious - keen to understand the 'bigger picture' and gather information / make connections to stay informed
Excellent writer with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
DFS Benefits
Company Car or Car Allowance
Excellent salary plus company bonus, plus extensive benefits package
Progression and Development opportunities to grow your skills
A huge 30% colleague discount, plus 15% friends & family discount across our Group (DFS, Sofology, Dwell)
Generous holiday allowance the time you need to rest and relax and the longer youre with us, the more time youll get! Opportunity to purchase additional holidays each year!
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave to give you the time you need to settle in with your new family member
Access to a range of high street & online discounts from: Sainsburys, ASOS, Currys PC World, IKEA, John Lewis and more.
Discounted Gym and Cinema memberships to help you unwind
Group Pension Scheme
Group Sharesave Scheme
Life Assurance & Company Sick Pay
Full comprehensive training
Paid days to volunteer each year
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