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- Tasks: Lead and shape the learning strategy for 12,000 retail colleagues across various categories.
- Company: Specsavers, a leader in sight and hearing care, committed to positive change.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the learning journey of retail professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading L&D functions in retail or healthcare environments.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board. 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.
Your Role
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. The latter is accountable for the design and delivery of clinical training across all business categories. 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.
- Ensuring 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.
Director of Learning & Development - Retail in Fareham employer: Specsavers
Contact Detail:
Specsavers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Learning & Development - Retail in Fareham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Specsavers on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Specsavers' values and recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the company culture. Tailor our answers to reflect their mission of delivering outstanding value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with us. This helps us articulate our experience and skills clearly, especially how they align with the strategic direction of L&D in retail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us top of mind and shows our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the best fit for the Director of Learning & Development position.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Learning & Development - Retail in Fareham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in L&D, especially in retail or healthcare. We want to see how your skills align with our goals at Specsavers!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Director, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. Share examples of how you've led teams and developed talent in your previous roles. This will help us see your potential impact on our L&D strategy.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know Your L&D Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Specsavers' current learning and development strategies. Understand how they align with their business goals, especially in retail. This will help you articulate how your experience can enhance their existing framework.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading L&D teams. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to develop talent and manage senior leaders. This is crucial for a role that involves overseeing a large team and ensuring succession planning.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Since this role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, think of specific instances where you've successfully influenced or managed relationships at a senior level. Be prepared to explain how you can build strong partnerships across different categories.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by sharing examples of how you've implemented innovative learning solutions in the past. Discuss your familiarity with digital learning technologies and how they can be leveraged to enhance Specsavers' L&D initiatives.
