Your new role

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 our Head of AI Enablement & Delivery Excellence, you’ll be at the heart of shaping how DFS uses technology and AI to work smarter, faster and more effectively. You’ll lead the evolution of our Technology & Data function, helping us move towards an AI-first approach to delivering technology and creating new ways of working that make a real difference across the business.

You’ll lead and develop a centralised AI Delivery Team, responsible for governing, building, deploying and monitoring AI agents and chat bots, while ensuring our AI solutions are well managed, financially controlled and delivering value.

Working closely with our Group Technology, Data, Business Change and Unify Programme teams, you’ll bring people together, remove barriers and challenge traditional ways of working. You’ll initially focus on transforming our software development life cycle, before continuing to identify innovative ways to improve delivery, collaboration and efficiency.

This is a high-impact role for someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, inspire people through change and build strong relationships across teams. Most importantly, you’ll help us make the right way of doing things the easiest way of doing things.

What you’ll be responsible for 

• Leading  the transformation of our Technology & Data function, introducing an AI-first approach to how we design, build and deliver technology.

• Creating  the roadmap and foundations needed to make AI-first delivery a reality, including new tools, integrations, automation and ways of working.

• Building and developing a centralised AI Delivery Team, bringing together the right skills across AI, Data, DevOps, Engineering, Business Analysis and QA.

• Leading  the development and delivery of AI agents and chatbots, from identifying opportunities and defining requirements through to build, launch, monitoring and continuous improvement.

• Introducing  clear AI governance, standards and guardrails, making sure everything we develop meets our data, security, privacy, IP and ethical standards.

• Exploring  and introducing new AI-powered tools and technologies that help our teams work more efficiently and deliver better outcomes.

• Working  closely with Technology, Data, Architecture, Infrastructure, Security, Business Change and the Unify Programme to make sure our AI strategy works across the wider business.

• Using  data and insights to measure the impact, efficiency and return on investment of our AI solutions and technology delivery.

• Managing  the financial tracking of our AI tools, agents and chatbots, making sure we understand where we're investing and the value we're getting in return.

• Helping  shape how we manage our Technology & Data portfolio, ensuring the right people and resources are focused on the right priorities.

• Listening  to our teams and stakeholders, using their feedback to continually improve our processes, tools and ways of working.

• Leading the cultural change needed to help our people embrace AI-augmented ways of working, building confidence and overcoming barriers along the way.

• Working  with Learning & Development to create coaching, training and development opportunities that help our teams build their AI capability.

• Creating  a culture where people feel confident to experiment, innovate, share ideas and learn from failure.

• Partnering  with business teams and Product Owners to identify real opportunities where AI can make a difference to our customers, colleagues and business.

• Making the right way of doing things the easiest way of doing things, removing friction and creating simpler, smarter and more effective ways of working.

We’re looking for someone who has 

• Experience of leading and developing a team of specialists, creating a high-performing environment focused on delivering great outcomes.

• Significant experience working with enterprise-level technology, ideally within a digital retail environment.

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Computing, IT or a related subject, or significant equivalent experience within the technology industry.

• Strong knowledge and practical experience of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

• Experience of project management frameworks, governance and portfolio management, with the ability to manage priorities, risks and resources effectively.

• A strong track record of leading and embedding business change, bringing people with you and helping teams adopt new ways of working.

• The ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams, influencing decisions and building strong relationships.

• A forward-thinking approach, with the curiosity and confidence to explore new technologies, challenge existing ways of working and identify opportunities to use AI to improve delivery.

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:

• Grade G 

• 27 days holiday, plus the option to buy up to 5 more

• Enhanced parental leave

• 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.

Sofology