At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify and secure new business opportunities in the community and care home sector.
- Company: Join Specsavers, a leader in optical care with a focus on customer service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fully expensed company car, 20 days leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Combine business development with a rewarding career in optics and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Proven business development experience or background as an Optical Assistant.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 29000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Business Development Associate to join our Optics team. In this role, you will be identifying, acting upon and securing new business opportunities across our region within the community and care home sector. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who either have proven business development experience and are keen to develop their knowledge and skills within optics, or experienced Optical Assistants who are looking for career progression and the opportunity to develop their career further within the optical sector.
You will manage your own diary, whilst ensuring the delivery of a high-quality professional service to patients and clients that we support in their own homes and in some care home settings. You must be confident in building and maintaining relationships, as this role will involve generating new business and forging strong relationships with GP practices, sheltered accommodation/independent living providers, and local community organisations. You will help organise and run small events such as coffee mornings and presentations to external organisations and groups, helping to raise brand awareness across the region and support our wider community engagement.
The Role: Once you are trained in optics, you will travel across the region to support an Optometrist in carrying out eyecare clinics, as well as providing aftercare. This may include fitting glasses, carrying out minor repairs, pre-screening and dispensing glasses on testing days. Our region covers Kings Lynn, Swaffham, March, Wisbech, Downham Market, Dereham, Sheringham, Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge. In short, you will play an important role in making sure every customer receives a professional service and a great experience with us.
For the right candidate, this is a unique opportunity to combine business development with a career in optics. If you have a proven track record in generating and securing new business, we will support you in learning the optical side of the role. Equally, if you are an experienced Optical Assistant looking for your next career step, this role provides the opportunity to build on your existing optical knowledge whilst developing your business development, networking and relationship-building skills.
The successful candidate will primarily focus on business development for 4 or 5 days a week, although, once trained, you may be required to assist with clinics and other optical duties depending on business needs.
About Specsavers Home Visits: Our passion is to deliver outstanding customer care, combined with sound dispensing advice and product recommendations that best suit individual customer needs. In addition to the highest quality equipment, we aim to provide both our customers and team with an excellent overall environment. At Specsavers, we treat people as we would wish to be treated. You will be supported by a well-trained and motivated team. Our expectation is that you will share our vision to provide our patients with the very best professional service, as well as exceptional customer care, on every Home Visit.
What We Offer:
- Hours: 4 or 5 days per week, Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 5.30pm. A degree of flexibility is required when out on visits.
- Salary: £27,000-£29,000 per annum, depending on experience (pro rata if part-time).
- Fully expensed company car
- 20 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
- Birthday off
- Business accredited with Great Place to Work
- Additional benefits including free access to Headspace and We Care
Who Are We Looking For? We would welcome applications from candidates with either of the following backgrounds:
- Proven Business Development Experience: You will have a strong track record of identifying opportunities, securing new business and building long-term professional relationships. You will be keen to learn the optical side of the business and develop your knowledge within optics.
- Experienced Optical Assistant: You will already have experience working within optics and be looking for the next step in your career. You may be looking to move beyond a traditional Optical Assistant role and develop your skills in business development, networking and community engagement, whilst continuing to use and build upon your existing optical knowledge.
You do not necessarily need to have experience in both areas. What is most important to us is that you have the right attitude, are confident building relationships, are commercially minded or keen to develop those skills, and have a genuine interest in delivering an excellent experience for our patients and clients. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to progress their career within optics whilst taking on a varied role that combines patient care, optical support, business development and community engagement. You must be a confident driver and have a full and clean driving licence.
Business Development Associate employer: Specsavers Careers
Join our dynamic team in Beverley as an Optometrist, where your career can flourish in a supportive environment that prioritises professional development and high-quality patient care. With access to state-of-the-art equipment, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous bonuses and employee support services, we are committed to ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally. Experience a workplace culture that values collaboration and excellence, making it an ideal setting for passionate eyecare professionals.
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We think this is how you could land Business Development Associate
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We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
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Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Specsavers Careers, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers Careers
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In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
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✨Portfolio of Projects
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✨Know their business model
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