Director of Learning & Development

Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing by delivering outstanding value, being loved by every customer, and creating the place where all colleagues are proud to belong as we grow our business.

As Director of Learning & Development – Retail, you will set the strategic direction for retail learning across Optics, Audiology, Domiciliary, Contact Lens, and Audiology Domiciliary, focussing on our Total Care offering. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering a cohesive, high-impact L&D strategy that supports the development of ~12,000 retail colleagues including partners & store teams.

The role of The Director of L&D – Retail ensures that learning is aligned to business priorities, drives performance improvement, and fosters a culture of continuous development. The role oversees the full learning lifecycle, from design and delivery to partner development and onboarding, and ensures consistency, innovation, and excellence across all learning touch points.

To deliver against the strategic learning agenda, the Director of Learning & Development – Retail works in close partnership with the Resourcing Director and the Director of Professional Advancement. Together, they ensure the creation of a robust and future-ready talent pipeline that supports:

• The development of store managers
• The progression of future and existing partners
• The advancement of clinical expertise, from Cert 3 onwards

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a multi-category L&D strategy that supports business goals across Optics, Audiology, Domiciliary, Contact Lens, and Audiology Domiciliary.
• Lead and develop a high-performing L&D team, including 3 direct reports and ~60 indirect reports, ensuring succession planning and talent development are embedded.
• Align learning initiatives with commercial performance plans, partner development frameworks, and customer experience goals.
• Influence and collaborate at senior levels across Retail, Resourcing and Professional Advancement.
• Build strong relationships with Retail Support Teams, Boards, and senior stakeholders across all categories to ensure learning solutions are relevant and impactful.
• Represent the UK in global L&D and partner development forums, contributing to consistency and innovation across markets.
• Champion digital and blended learning and innovation across UK and global markets.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, accessible and tailored to a diverse workforce.
• Own the L&D budget and ensure a strong return on investment.
• Uphold learning governance and relevant accreditation standards.
• Ensure the learning and development strategy is aligned to our People, Growth and Customer priorities.

What you’ll Bring

• Proven experience at Head of/ Director level leading a multi-category L&D function in a retail or healthcare environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate diverse business needs into learning solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills across varied groups.
• Familiarity with L&D technologies, digital learning and sector trends.
• Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets effectively.
• Strong leadership and coaching capabilities, with experience managing senior L&D leaders.
• Ideally experience with external accreditation bodies.
• Willingness to travel and engage directly with store teams and partners across all categories.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and personal development.

Location: Remote based with travel to our UK offices and stores when required.

If you are passionate about positively impacting the learning and development of our retail colleagues, we’d love to hear from you. If this opportunity sounds like the perfect fit for you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of strong applications.