At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a thriving optometry partnership and lead clinical and retail performance.
- Company: Specsavers, a well-established and high-performing business in Durham.
- Benefits: Ownership opportunity, strong support teams, and excellent growth potential.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a strong culture of talent development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant city with a prestigious university.
- Qualifications: Optometrist with multi-site experience and a passion for people development.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the partnership at Durham & Arnison Specsavers and Audiology with a 33% Optics share across both stores and 16% Audiology share available. This is a well-established, high-performing linked business, made up of two large stores, both recently boosted in December 2025 and delivering strong financial performance, high conversion, and a growing ATV.
Located in Durham city centre and the thriving Arnison Retail Park, this partnership offers the opportunity to step into a mature, well-led business with experienced teams, strong clinical capability, and excellent customer demand.
- Combined weekly turnover of £70k +
- Strong profitability
- High ATV and growing (above regional average)
- Recently completed Boost refits (Dec 2025)
- Hub & spoke model (Arnison hub, Durham spoke)
- Onsite glazing
- Excellent clinical offering including MECS, Post-CAT, IOP refinement & Children’s pathways
- Strong people culture with proven success in developing and retaining talent
- Established leadership
What’s on Offer?
- Opportunity to take ownership in a high-performing, multi-site business
- Work alongside an established and experienced partner and leadership team
- Immediate opportunity to influence and shape future growth strategy
- Access to strong clinical and retail teams (25 retail, 8 FT Optoms + wider clinical team)
- Established infrastructure with lab services, OCT, and enhanced pathways in place
Why Durham and Arnison?
Durham is a vibrant and historic city with a prestigious university, a thriving local economy, and continued investment including a £10m+ bus station refurbishment, Riverwalk development, and the upcoming Prince Bishops Shopping Centre redevelopment. Durham store sits in a prime city centre location, close to the bus station, train links, and commuter footfall, serving a diverse mix of professionals, residents, and students. Arnison store benefits from a busy retail park location, free parking, and a strong family demographic, providing excellent volume and accessibility. Together, these locations offer a balanced mix of high-volume footfall and strong commercial opportunity, with clear future growth potential.
Key Attributes Required:
- Optometrist with multi-site experience preferred
- A commercially minded leader confident in driving both clinical and retail performance
- Passion for people development, continuing the strong "grow your own" culture
- Strong collaborator who can work within a linked business model
To find out more contact: samantha.firth@speacsavers.com
Closing date: 10th June 2026
Optometry Partner in North East employer: Specsavers
Specsavers in Durham and Arnison offers an exceptional opportunity for Optometry Partners to thrive in a well-established, high-performing environment. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative culture, and access to advanced clinical resources, you will be empowered to shape the future of this dynamic business while enjoying the benefits of working in vibrant locations with excellent footfall and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Optometry Partner in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Durham & Arnison through LinkedIn or local events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the latest trends in optometry and audiology, especially those relevant to Specsavers. Show them you’re not just passionate but also informed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience and how it aligns with their strong people culture and growth strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Durham & Arnison.
We think you need these skills to ace Optometry Partner in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for optometry and people development shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to grow with us at Durham & Arnison.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your multi-site experience and leadership skills. We love seeing how your background aligns with our values and the specific needs of the partnership, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us quickly see how you can contribute to our high-performing team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us promptly and allows you to explore more about what we offer at Durham & Arnison. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on the financial performance of the stores. Understand key metrics like turnover and average transaction value (ATV). This shows you’re not just a clinical expert but also commercially savvy, which is crucial for a partnership role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your approach to leading teams and developing talent. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a strong people culture in previous roles. This will resonate well with their emphasis on collaboration and growth.
✨Understand the Local Market
Familiarise yourself with Durham and Arnison's demographics and local economy. Mention how you can leverage the unique aspects of these locations to drive business growth. This demonstrates your commitment to the community and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready about the future growth strategy and clinical offerings. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your proactive mindset in wanting to contribute to the business’s success.
