Strategy and R&D Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for innovation? Join Specsavers as out new Strategy and R&D Manager and help us explore future opportunities for growth across our global business  

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 Strategy and R&D Manager, you’ll be a key member of our Strategic Initiatives team, supporting the exploration of new opportunities for growth across all Specsavers markets. You’ll work closely with the Strategy & R&D Director and the Head of Strategy and R&D, providing research, analysis, and insights that help shape our long-term direction and keep us ahead of industry trends.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting strategic projects and programs across all business functions and geographies.
• Conducting research and analysis to identify new trends, areas of disruption, and opportunities for innovation.
• Providing insights from research and innovation across the optical, hearing, and relevant industries.
• Mapping out the industry horizon and helping the team answer “what’s next?” in a fast-changing environment.
• Supporting the development of concepts, business models, and opportunities that drive Specsavers’ growth ambitions.
• Delivering project support across innovative and change programs, ensuring meaningful value and step change for the business.
• Working both independently and collaboratively with teams and business functions.
• Contributing to the continuous research and development of innovative thinking that transforms and disrupts the optical and hearing markets.
• Providing input on macro health, tech, and consumer trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Fostering curiosity and a culture of innovation across the wider business.

Your new team

You’ll join a passionate and agile Strategic Initiatives team, collaborating with regional and functional teams across Specsavers. You’ll also engage with external stakeholders at trade shows and networking events, building relationships that help us stay at the forefront of our industry.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who has the following qualifications:

• Degree qualified, with at least 5 years’ business experience demonstrating commercial acumen and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with strategic projects and programs; background in AI, insights, or analytics is a plus.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical and research skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
• Experience in retail, digital, clinical, or healthcare sectors is valued.
• Consultancy experience and/or demonstrable interest in AI highly valued.
• Fluent in English (verbal and written).
• Comfortable working internationally and with colleagues based in different countries.
• 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.