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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist customers with optical needs and provide exceptional service in a vibrant team.
- Company: Join Specsavers, an award-winning optical retailer known for community engagement.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ12.91/hour, enjoy 28 days holiday, and access private medical plans.
- Other info: Work in a newly refurbished store with a supportive team and great career prospects.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in optics with excellent training and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Previous optical experience preferred, but a passion for customer service is key.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 26700 ÂŁ per year.
Are you a passionate, people focussed optical assistant looking for an environment in which to grow your career, surrounded by an award winning team? If so, Specsavers Retford might just be the home for you.
Based in north Nottinghamshire, with the train station a 5 minute walk away and A1 within touching distance, Retford is easily accessed from many surrounding towns, including; Worksop, Doncaster, Mansfield, Newark and Lincoln. Retford opened its doors over 30 years ago and has become known locally for its first-class service, highly professional and knowledgeable team and dedication to supporting the local community. The store has just finished a major £350,000 expansion and refit at the end of 2025, so it’s looking factory fresh!
In 2025 we were delighted to win the Specsavers award for Excellence in the Community, for our work on community engagement, marketing and support for local charities. Alongside Retford, the directors run another highly successful sister store in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, and if variety appeals, the option is available to work across both stores, however this isn’t a requirement.
We’re a successful business and it’s all because of our amazing team. A shared passion for great service and doing right by the customer guides our journey. We’re looking for a Customer Assistant that shares the same ethos, someone who thinks going above and beyond to impress our customers is all in a day’s work, someone who is committed to perfecting the customer journey and upskilling themselves.
We have a proven track record of looking after our people and developing their talents. With most of our Optical Assistants gaining their level 3 & 4 dispensing qualifications and some going on to study to become qualified Dispensing Opticians, Contact Lens Opticians and even Optometrists. For those who do not have a clinical passion, our management development offer, which includes in house training as well as courses and qualifications accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), has seen many colleagues progress into leadership roles both in store and the wider Specsavers group. In fact, our current assistant manager, store manager and one of our partners, all started in the business as an optical assistant! Your future is in good hands in Retford.
What’s on offer:
- Salary – £12.91 per hour
- 37.5 hours per week to include 1 weekend day or alternate weekends
- 28 days holiday plus your birthday off!
- A private medical and dental cash plan
- Specsavers Perks - our discounted benefits scheme
- A paid “volunteering” day each year
- WeCare – a confidential employee support service, that includes free; counselling, virtual GP service, legal and financial help, plus more
- Outstanding clinical and professional development opportunities
- Additional annual leave for long service
What we’re looking for:
- Previous optical experience as an Optical Advisor or Dispensing Assistant - dispensing both single vision and multifocal lenses, including high index lenses
- A strong baseline level of knowledge of dispensing and optics
- A people person, who loves to chat to customers and work with a friendly team
- Great teamwork, we do our fair share and help each other out
- Confidence in technology, you don’t need to know how to use our operating system, but general IT skills are a must
- A desire to develop and learn, not everyone who joins us wants to complete further professional training, this is no issue, but optics is a changing world and continuous development and improvement in role is essential
- Excellent communication skills, talking to customers is what we do!
Still interested? Does this sound like you? Please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
Trainee Optical Assistant in Retford employer: Specsavers
Contact Detail:
Specsavers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Optical Assistant in Retford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team at Specsavers Retford! Before your interview, check out their social media and website to understand their culture and values. This will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their award-winning team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since they’re looking for someone who loves chatting with customers, think of examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. This will help you stand out as a people-focused candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show your enthusiasm by asking about the training opportunities and career progression available. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of the optical world, which is a big plus for Specsavers.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Optical Assistant in Retford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the optical field shine through! We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about providing excellent service and helping customers.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match what we’re looking for. If you've got previous optical experience or customer service roles, shout about it!
Be Yourself: We’re all about personality here at Specsavers Retford. Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice come through in your application. We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Specsavers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your optical knowledge before the interview. Understand the basics of dispensing, including single vision and multifocal lenses. This will show that you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role is all about customer interaction, be prepared to demonstrate your people skills. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or worked well in a team. This will highlight your fit for their friendly environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team culture, training opportunities, or community engagement initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Specsavers values a friendly atmosphere, so being authentic can help you connect with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.