Dispensing Optician Manager in Great Bookham

The Dispensing Optician Manager is a qualified, GOC-registered Dispensing Optician with responsibility for managing both the clinical and operational functions of the branch. This role acts as a key link between clinical excellence, outstanding customer service, and efficient day‑to‑day operations. It combines hands‑on dispensing expertise with team leadership, staff development, branch administration, and commercial performance management.

Key Responsibilities

• Clinical & Dispensing Duties
  • Deliver high‑quality spectacle dispensing, including frame selection, lens recommendations, and accurate measurements.
  • Ensure seamless patient journeys through confident three‑way handovers with the Optometrist.
  • Carry out frame adjustments, repairs (including hearing aids), and manage rechecks or non‑tolerances, resolving concerns promptly and escalating where appropriate.
  • Manage spectacle orders, liaising with suppliers regarding delays and ensuring accuracy in focimetry and fitting.
  • Ensure all branch administration is accurate and efficient, maintaining thorough and up‑to‑date clinical records in line with GDPR and data protection requirements.
  • Support and, where required, supervise a student Dispensing Optician.
• Leadership & Management
  • Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation, promoting its values, reputation, and commitment to exceptional patient care while fostering an inclusive and motivated team culture.
  • Oversee daily branch operations, including opening and closing procedures, alarm systems, cash handling, banking, and keyholder responsibilities.
  • Line‑manage branch team members, approve holidays, and liaise with HR and management regarding rota changes and staffing levels.
  • Conduct regular performance and development reviews, supporting staff training, development, and recognition.
  • Work with HR to manage sickness and absence, ensuring appropriate documentation and monitoring attendance trends using recognised tools.
• Operational & Financial Oversight
  • Monitor and manage stock levels, frame representative visits, and stocktake accuracy.
  • Track budgets, gross profit, and incentives, and support the Optical Assistant team with weekly returns and invoices.
  • Manage refunds, investigate till discrepancies, oversee debt collection processes, and report any suspected fraudulent activity.
  • Prepare branch reports for management meetings and communicate operational needs with Head Office teams, including Accounts, HR, and Marketing.
• Marketing & Promotion
  • Work collaboratively with the Marketing team to support local promotional events, open days, and scheduled campaigns.
  • Maintain high standards of personal presentation and practice appearance, ensuring displays, marketing materials, and merchandise are consistently well presented.
  • Support marketing activity through website updates, newsletters, social media content, display trays, and recommendation cards.
  • Monitor customer feedback and encourage team engagement in marketing initiatives.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
  • Lead Health & Safety practices within the branch, including emergency procedures, hazard checks, and accident reporting.
  • Ensure staff awareness and compliance with GDPR, data protection, and patient confidentiality policies.
  • Maintain clinical equipment, including calibration of screeners and scanners, and ensure awareness of AED/defibrillator locations.
  • Undertake First Aid training as required.

Qualifications & Experience

• GOC-registered Dispensing Optician
• Level 6 Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing
• Previous spectacle dispensing experience essential
• Previous management experience desirable

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent communication, empathy, and problem‑solving skills with a strong customer service focus.
• Ability to delegate, coach, and motivate a team effectively.
• Strong IT skills (e.g. Word, Excel) and organisational abilities.
• Enthusiastic, adaptable, and keen to learn in a role that continues to evolve.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Continuing education and training support
• CPD events
• Company pension scheme and life assurance
• Incentive scheme
• Staff and family discounts
• 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays
• Career progression opportunities
• Team‑building events
• Company sick pay
• Employee benefits platform
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• No Sunday or Bank Holiday working
• Peer support groups

Ready to take the next step in your optical career? Apply today!