Head of Strategy and R&D

Are you passionate about shaping the future and driving innovation? Join Specsavers as our new Head of Strategy & R&D and help us unlock new opportunities for value and growth . 

At Specsavers, we’re dedicated to making eye and hearing care accessible to all. As pioneers and a global leader in innovative technologies, we help people optimise their vision and hearing. We foster your expertise, welcome you into a supportive family, and propel your growth. Grounded in our collaboration, curiosity, courage, and compassion values, we strive to challenge the status quo and invite you to team up with us.

Your role

As Head of Strategy and R&D, you’ll play a pivotal role within our Strategic Initiatives team, helping to stretch the organisation’s thinking and identify new opportunities for value and growth across all areas of the business. Reporting to the Strategy and R&D Director, you’ll provide strategic thought leadership, drive research and innovation, and support the development of new business models that will help Specsavers realise its 2030 growth ambitions.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting strategic projects in conjunction with the Strategy and R&D Director, adding value to our long-term direction.
• Keeping the Strategic Initiatives team abreast of new trends, areas of disruption, and potential opportunities.
• Providing insights on developments and innovations within the industries where Specsavers operates.
• Driving the development of Specsavers’ strategy beyond the current planning horizon, seeking out new areas of competitive advantage, partnerships, and lines of business.
• Supporting the research and development of new services, especially in eye and ear health, and evaluating their commercial viability.
• Developing business models to capitalise on new opportunities.
• Supporting M&A activity and the Group’s growth agenda.
• Providing input on macro health, tech, and consumer trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including technology and clinical teams, supply chain, and innovation agencies.

Your new team

You’ll join a passionate and agile Strategic Initiatives team, working closely with the Strategy and R&D Director, functional directors, and colleagues across multiple geographies and business units. We value curiosity, critical thinking, and a collaborative spirit.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who has the following qualifications:

• Degree qualified, with at least 5 years’ experience in business strategy or innovation roles.
• Experienced commercial operator with a strong background in strategic analysis, insights, and commercial business modelling.
• High degree of commercial acumen and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrable experience in driving new initiatives and provoking change within high-growth, multi-geography business environments.
• Consultancy and/or M&A experience highly valued.
• Fluent in English (verbal and written).
• Self-starter with strong relationship management skills and the ability to work in agile teams.

What awaits you upon joining Specsavers

At Specsavers, you'll get more than just a job. You will join us on a journey to make eye health services easily accessible to everyone.

We offer you an exciting and challenging everyday life and career in a company with success and ambitions. You will also be part of a workplace with a strong, unique family culture and a community that extends beyond a single department.

Joining us, you’ll get:

• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including eye care vouchers and wellbeing initiatives.
• Opportunities for growth and development through learning platforms, leadership programs, and personal development plans.
• A strong, unique family culture with social gatherings, celebrations, and a collaborative environment. 
• Great coffee, lots of laughs, social gatherings, celebrations, and loads more

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, 2-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.

Read more about Specsavers

Read about our values

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!

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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 teambuilding.