Head of Professional Advancement

The role 

As Head of Professional Advancement, you are responsible for leading clinical development and advancement across Netherlands and therefore you play a vital role in the development of new clinical practices and processes as well as professional development of Optometrists.  

You’ll have an important strategic part in developing our brand’s perception through impacting external stakeholders for example Eye Doctors association, Optical union and schools, Politicians with the National Medical & Health associations, and Journalists. 

In practice this means, that you’ll be:  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the professional advancement and tele-optometry teams. 

• Drive strategic development of clinical brand and innovation in services. 

• Ensure clinical support for stores in collaboration with retail support. 

• Develop and implement medicalisation strategy and country-specific plans. 

• Engage with key external stakeholders (e.g., associations, politicians, journalists). 

• Analyse healthcare environment and Specsavers' positioning. 

• Develop commercial strategies for optical equipment standards. 

• Advise on clinical aspects in Marketing, Retail, L&D, HR, and PR. 

• Represent the brand publicly on professional and clinical matters. 

• Ensure standards for student and graduate programs. 

• Support Specsavers Clinical Conferences and L&D initiatives. 

• Investigate and address clinical compliance issues. 

• Enhance visibility in trade publications through PR. 

• Build relationships with professional bodies and drive industry involvement. 

• Participate in country management team and EMT to drive business growth. 

In the role you'll report directly to NE Director of Optometry, Pia Østergaard. Occasional travel equivalent to 2-3-a month is to be expected in the role, 

Your new team 

As the Head of Professional Advancement (PA), you'll lead a dynamic and talented PA team in the Netherlands. Our team boasts an impressive collective experience, with some members having dedicated many years to Specsavers while others bring fresh perspectives. This role is primarily based at our office in Maarssen, with some flexibility as needed. 

You'll also be part of the Northern European PA team, collaborating closely with colleagues in Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. This cross-border collaboration provides a unique opportunity to share insights, strategies, and best practices, enhancing the overall effectiveness of our professional advancement efforts. 

Currently, we're deeply involved in several exciting projects where your leadership will be crucial. Beyond work, we foster a friendly and supportive atmosphere at the office, where team spirit and collaboration are highly valued. Join us in this stimulating environment where innovation, collaboration, and a positive social dynamic drive our success. 

As our new Head of Professional Advancement in Netherlands, you'll work at our Dutch support office in Maarssen. Our office features many collaborative spaces and a cosy atmosphere 

On top, you’ll always get 

• To be part of a team of friendly, talented, and passionate colleagues. Enjoy a competitive salary package with perks such as pensions, (health insurance), free eye care vouchers, and more. 

• Grow in your role with free access to online learning, monthly one-on-one discussions with your manager, personalised development plans, and increased responsibility. 

• We offer a fun work environment with great coffee, laughter, table tennis tournaments, birthday surprises, holiday celebrations, virtual Friday quizzes, and more. 

Your qualifications 

We're seeking an experienced leader with a high level of both interpersonal skills and experience managing high complex projects and stakeholder-groups.  

To fulfil this role, you should align with the following requirements: 

• Experienced manager/leader of teams. 

• Previous experience of practicing within Retail environment.  

• Experience of managing multiple projects with multiple stakeholders. 

• Experience in researching and managing external professional agencies.  

• Proven experience in optometry / sight test and contact lenses.  

The individual is preferably a registered Optician/optometrist or has a proven track record in a leadership role in retail optics.  

On a more personal level, we would like to see that you have:  

• Strong communication and leadership skills  

• A high level of interpersonal skills with the ability to build strategic working relationships with a diverse range of people  

• The ability to develop workable strategy, connect the dots with other functional strategies and execute to a high standard every time 

• Analytical and logical approach, and able to consider multiple and varied solutions to problems/issues 

Is this your next step? Apply today 

To apply, please fill out the application form and click the button below. We want to respect your time, so including an application letter is optional.  

Deadline for application is Wednesday 30th of April 2025. 

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, 2-rounds of interviews including 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.  

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.