Retail Partner

Specsavers; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A major optical retail group in the North East is seeking an experienced optical leader to manage multiple stores. This role involves driving retail performance, developing teams, and aligning with company values. Candidates should excel in multi-site leadership and people development. This opportunity offers a vibrant working environment with a focus on growth in both services and retail. Applications are invited from those passionate about leadership in the optical retail sector.

Qualifications

• Experienced optical/retail leader.
• Ability to drive volume and ATV.
• Strong people development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple stores in the North East cluster.
• Drive growth and enhance service offerings.
• Align with Specsavers values.

Skills

Multi-site leadership

Commercial acumen

People development

Volume and contact lens growth

Job description

Own & grow with a high‑performing North East cluster of stores

Linked Shared Venture Partnership – Retail shareholdings available across four stores (plus Audiology)

Locations:

Middlesbrough, Coulby Newham, Blaydon, Gateshead – Team Valley and Audiology

Shares available:

• Middlesbrough & Coulby Newham: 25% Retail shares
• Blaydon: 28% Retail shares
• Gateshead – Team Valley: 28.3% Retail shares
• Audiology (linked hub): 12.5%
  Structure: Linked Retail Director opportunity across all four stores (plus Audiology)

Why this opportunity?

This is a rare chance to invest in an established, high‑performing North East cluster with strong brand presence, modern refits, low locum reliance, and robust clinical offerings (OCT in all stores, enhanced services). You’ll join experienced partners and managers, inheriting resilient retail footfall, deep local ties, and clear growth levers in volume and contact lenses—supported by a central lab and call centre that serve the whole cluster.

The stores at a glance

Middlesbrough (large; town centre)

• Territory & setting: 3‑mile territory, town centre near bus station; high footfall across two customer floors plus a separate lab floor (glazing for all cluster stores + Hexham).
• Capacity & performance: 500 tests/week; 10 test rooms; Operating Profit -12.5%; wait time 2–3 days.
• Services: OCT; low‑vision service (only supplier in Teesside); large audiology hub (3 rooms).
• Team: Retail 40–45; Clinical 12–15 (10 OO, 3 DO, 1 CLO); no locum.
• Refit: Completed April 2024.
• Culture: Fun, high‑performing; strong performance management; people development into partnership.

Coulby Newham (large; retail park)

• Territory & setting: 3‑mile territory in a shopping centre tied to Tesco; free parking, highly accessible; no empty units on the park.
• Capacity & performance: 350–400 tests/week; 5 test rooms (moving to 6 in refit); Operating Profit - 20%; wait time - 1 week.
• Team: Retail 15; Clinical 10 (6 OO, 2 DO, 1 CLO).
• Refit: Designing now; due Spring 2026
• Customer base: More affluent, older clientele; strong ATV.

Blaydon (large; pedestrianised high street)

• Setting: Pedestrianised high street tied to Morrisons; little direct competition; free parking with lift access from parking level; near McDonald’s.
• Capacity & performance: ~200–250 tests/week; 3 test rooms (1 dual); Operating Profit - 13%; wait time 2–3 days.
• Services: OCT; enhanced glaucoma services.
• Team: Retail 12; Clinical 6 (4 OO, 2 DO).
• Refit/Boost: Boost April 2024.
• Customer base: Similar to Coulby Newham; draws from nicer parts of Northumberland.

Gateshead – Team Valley (medium; retail park)

• Setting: One‑level retail park with free parking; part of the largest retail complex in the North of England; bus‑only for public transport.
• Capacity & performance: ~150–200 tests/week; 5 test rooms (4 fitted + 1 available; space for 6th & 7th if needed); Operating Profit−8%; wait time -1 day.
• Services: OCT; enhanced glaucoma services.
• Team: Retail 10; Clinical 5 (3 OO, 2 DO).

What we’re looking for

An experienced optical/retail leader who:

• Thrives in multi‑site leadership and enjoys being present and involved on the shop floor.
• Can drive volume, ATV, and contact lens growth, while elevating enhanced services.
• Invests in people development—progressing pathway colleagues into future partners.
• Brings commercial acumen to scale Team Valley and maximise the Audiology hub.
• Aligns to Specsavers values and a high‑performance, fun culture.

Love the North East?

All four locations offer great lifestyle options—including coastal living—with strong transport links and vibrant retail centres.

How to apply

Email Samantha Firth at [e-mail] – application closing date – 16th January