Director of Product Operations

Specsavers; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Specsavers is seeking a Director of Product Operations to steer the global product and supply chain, turning strategy into delivery at scale. You will lead a small team and partner with regional and supplier colleagues to ensure new products launch smoothly and risks are managed effectively.

You will shape operating models, drive governance, and oversee end-to-end delivery, performance, and continuous improvement, with a focus on resilience, automation and innovation.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience within Product Operations, Supply Chain, Retail Operations or a related environment.
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams across geographies and functions.
• Expertise in operational delivery, supplier management and end-to-end supply chain performance.

Responsibilities

• Shaping and evolving the Product Operations operating model to support future growth and scalability.
• Leading strategic transformation, automation and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
• Driving operational excellence through clear governance, performance management and risk oversight.
• Owning end-to-end product launch enablement and critical-path readiness across categories and markets.
• Providing insight and direction on operational performance, supplier effectiveness, capacity and delivery risks.
• Building strong cross-functional partnerships that improve decision-making, remove blockers and accelerate outcomes.

Skills

Product Operations leadership

Supply chain leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategy to delivery governance

End-to-end product launch

Change and transformation management

AI and automation awareness

Job description

Are you a strategic supply chain leader who thrives on turning ambitious plans into operational excellence? Do you enjoy leading high-performing teams, driving transformation, and creating the conditions for successful product delivery at scale? Specsavers is looking for an experienced Director of Product Operations to lead a critical function at the heart of our global supply chain.

Team Purpose

The Product Operations team is the engine that turns category strategy into delivery. The team enables effective delivery, execution and continuous improvement across the global supply chain. The team connects category operations, launches, and critical path readiness, supplier performance, process improvement, transformation and regional execution, providing hands-on support to business-as-usual delivery. Product Operations acts as the operational glue across key supply chain pillars, supporting teams during periods of pressure, disruption or ambiguity to ensure issues are resolved quickly, service is protected and customers around the world continue to receive the products they need.

The Opportunity

As Director of Product Operations, you'll play a pivotal role in transforming strategy into delivery across Specsavers' global product and supply chain network. Reporting to the Supply Chain Product Operations & Assurance Director, you will lead a team of 3 direct reports and approximately 11 indirect reports, driving operational excellence, innovation, governance and continuous improvement.

Working across product, operations, fulfilment, regional leadership and supplier partners, you will ensure that new products are launched successfully, risks are managed proactively, and our supply chain continues to deliver exceptional outcomes for customers worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Shaping and evolving the Product Operations operating model to support future growth and scalability.
• Leading strategic transformation, automation and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
• Driving operational excellence through clear governance, performance management and risk oversight.
• Owning end-to-end product launch enablement and critical-path readiness across categories and markets.
• Providing insight and direction on operational performance, supplier effectiveness, capacity and delivery risks.
• Building strong cross-functional partnerships that improve decision-making, remove blockers and accelerate outcomes.
• Leading operational resilience and recovery planning during periods of disruption or change.Developing and empowering a high‑performing, globally connected Product Operations team.

About You

You’ll bring:

• Significant leadership experience within Product Operations, Supply Chain, Retail Operations or a related environment.
• A proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams across geographies and functions.
• Expertise in operational delivery, supplier management and end-to-end supply chain performance.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and engage at senior leadership level.
• Experience leading transformation, process improvement and operational change programmes.
• A collaborative leadership style that creates psychological safety, accountability and continuous learning.
• Passion for developing future talent and embracing emerging capabilities such as AI and automation.

Why Specsavers?

Our purpose is simple: to change lives through better sight and hearing. Every role in our business contributes to delivering outstanding value, exceptional customer experiences and sustainable growth. Joining our Product Operations leadership team will mean helping shape the future of a global organisation that places customers, colleagues and continuous improvement at the centre of everything we do.

Location: UK or Nottingham, with frequent UK and international travel.