Head of External Affairs & Health Partnerships
Date: 6 Mar 2026
Location: NL
Company: Specsavers
Are you passionate about shaping the future of accessible, high‑quality healthcare in the Netherlands? Join Specsavers as our new Head of External Affairs & Health Partnerships and play a pivotal role in strengthening our position in the Dutch optical and audiology landscape — influencing policy, shaping partnerships, and turning healthcare developments into real commercial impact.
Your role
As our new Head of External Affairs & Health Partnerships, you will build and lead Specsavers’ external engagement across the Dutch healthcare sector. You’ll be at the intersection of politics, regulation, and business — ensuring that insights from insurers, policymakers, and the wider health ecosystem translate into meaningful opportunities for our customers, partners, and stores.
Operating in a cross‑functional, matrix environment, you will collaborate closely with the Country Director, General Manager Audiology, Senior Manager Strategic Alliances, and teams across Professional Advancement, Public Relations, Operations, Strategic Initiatives, and Northern Europe.
In this role, you will:
- Strengthen and expand Specsavers’ network with health insurers, government bodies, industry associations, patient organisations, and other key healthcare stakeholders.
- Position Specsavers as a credible, constructive, and forward‑thinking healthcare partner (thought leader) in the Netherlands.
- Oversee contracting with Health Insurance Companies (HICs), ensuring sustainable agreements that support growth and customer value.
- Translate policy trends, sector developments, and regulatory changes into actionable commercial and operational initiatives.
- Lead the development of the external affairs and partnership strategy aligned with business priorities.
- Identify risks, opportunities, and leverage points across the Dutch optical and audiology sectors.
- Coach and lead the Senior Manager Strategic Alliances and help drive cross‑functional alignment.
- Represent Specsavers in advisory groups, sector platforms, and key external forums.
What are we looking for?
We’re seeking an influential, strategic, and hands‑on leader who understands the Dutch healthcare landscape deeply — and knows how to turn insights into real business outcomes.
Prefered qualifications & experience:
- 10+ years’ experience in public affairs, healthcare partnerships, stakeholder management, or a similar role in a complex multi‑stakeholder environment.
- Strong understanding of the Dutch healthcare system, including insurer dynamics and regulatory frameworks.
- Proven track record in contracting, partnership building, and external representation.
- Experience leading change and navigating politically sensitive environments.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Affairs, Health Sciences, Political Science, Communications, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, or similar.
Skills that we’d value:
- Strong strategic and analytical capabilities.
- Excellent networking skills; able to build trust quickly and navigate diverse interests.
- Clear, compelling communication — written and verbal (Dutch mother‑tongue; fluent English).
- Action‑oriented, pragmatic, and results focused.
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to create clarity and ensure accountability.
What awaits you upon joining Specsavers
At Specsavers, you join more than a business — you join a movement to make essential healthcare accessible to everyone. You’ll step into a role with high visibility, real impact, and a strong connection to our purpose.
Joining us, you’ll get:
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
- A supportive, people‑centred culture built on trust, collaboration, and our family‑business heritage.
- Opportunities for personal and professional development.
- A highly influential role with exposure to senior leadership across Northern Europe.
Is this your next step? Then apply today
To apply, please send us your CV using the button below. We want to respect your time, so including an application letter is optional. Feel free to apply as soon as possible.
Please avoid including any photos or references to your age in your CV. It contributes to a fairer and more unbiased assessment.
We review CV’s and call in for interviews continuously and in standard, our recruitment process consists of a screening, two rounds of interviews including a personality assessment feedback.
If you're interested in learning more about the incredible team you'll be joining and our shared goals as a family business, visit our pages: This is who we are, and This is what we do.
About Specsavers
It's 1984, on the small Channel Island of Guernsey, when the optometrist couple Doug and Mary Perkins lay the foundation of their new optical company. They revolutionised the market by offering affordable glasses to everyone.
Specsavers is one of the best workplaces
Awards are worth a thousand words – so we're incredibly proud that Specsavers in the Netherlands has been awarded the number 4 best workplace!
Diversity & Inclusion at Specsavers
Specsavers will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected factor.
In line with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we integrate these principles into all aspects of our work, from product development to team building.