Dispensing Optician Manager

Zest Optical Recruitment; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cheltenham-based independent optical practice is seeking a Dispensing Optician Manager to lead the team and oversee dispensing services while ensuring excellent patient care. You will partner with the Managing Director to shape practice operations and service delivery.

This hands-on leadership role requires a qualified Dispensing Optician with experience in practice management, strong dispensing skills, and a commercial mindset to drive performance using KPIs.

Qualifications

• Qualified Dispensing Optician registered with the GOC.
• Previous experience as Optical Practice Manager or Deputy Manager.
• Confident dispensing skills.
• Strong understanding of optical practice operations.
• Commercially aware with KPI experience.
• Able to balance management responsibilities and patient-facing work.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of a successful independent optical practice.
• Lead, motivate and develop the team, creating a positive working environment.
• Maintain high standards of patient care throughout the practice.
• Monitor sales, budgets and practice performance, identifying opportunities for growth.
• Support the development of optical, contact lens and audiology services.
• Carry out regular team reviews and identify training needs.
• Remain involved in dispensing, including single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses.
• Use digital dispensing technology to support accurate measurements.
• Assist with frame buying, merchandising and practice presentation.
• Resolve patient queries and build lasting relationships.
• Ensure professional standards, compliance and patient safety are maintained.

Skills

Team leadership

Dispensing skills

Coaching

KPI tracking

Budget awareness

Education

GOC registered Dispensing Optician

Tools

Digital dispensing technology

Frame buying

Merchandising

Practice management software

Job description

Dispensing Optician Manager – Cheltenham

Zest Optical are working with an independent opticians in Cheltenham to recruit a full time Dispensing Optician Manager.

This is an opportunity to take a hands-on leadership role, combining team development, practice management and dispensing. You will have the scope to influence how the practice operates, working closely with the Managing Director and other practice managers to build on its success.

• Manage the day-to-day running of a successful independent optical practice
• Lead, motivate and develop the team, creating a positive working environment
• Maintain high standards of patient care throughout the practice
• Monitor sales, budgets and practice performance, identifying opportunities for growth
• Support the development of optical, contact lens and audiology services
• Carry out regular team reviews and identify training needs
• Remain involved in dispensing, including single vision, bifocal and varifocal lenses
• Use digital dispensing technology to support accurate measurements
• Assist with frame buying, merchandising and practice presentation
• Resolve patient queries and build lasting relationships
• Ensure professional standards, compliance and patient safety are maintained
• Practice opening hours of 9am–5.30pm, Monday to Saturday
• Salary package of £36,000–£41,000 including bonus
• Qualified Dispensing Optician registered with the GOC
• Previous experience as an Optical Practice Manager or Deputy Manager
• Confident dispensing skills and a strong understanding of optical practice operations
• Able to develop a team through practical support, coaching and clear direction
• Commercially aware, with experience using KPIs to improve practice performance
• Organised and proactive, with the ability to balance management responsibilities and patient-facing work
• Committed to providing a personal, professional service