Global Ophthalmic Lens Strategy Leader

Specsavers; United Kingdom, United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Specsavers in the United Kingdom is seeking a Director of Category Development to lead the global ophthalmic lens portfolio and shape long-term strategy for growth and innovation. You will build a high-impact, cross‑functional team and partner with suppliers to deliver market-leading lens solutions.

You will guide multi‑year roadmaps, translate customer insights into product initiatives and manage governance to ensure value and resilience across regions.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience within ophthalmic lenses, optical products, healthcare products, category development or a similarly complex global product environment.
• Deep understanding of ophthalmic lens products, technologies, manufacturing, supplier networks and market dynamics.
• Experience developing and delivering global category, portfolio, innovation or sourcing strategies across multiple markets.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the global ophthalmic lens category strategy, shaping a long-term vision that drives growth, innovation and customer value.
• Develop and execute a multi-year category and portfolio roadmap aligned to business and regional priorities.
• Lead the evolution of the global lens portfolio, ensuring it remains relevant, competitive and aligned to customer and market needs.
• Drive innovation across lens technologies, materials, treatments, myopia management and emerging manufacturing solutions.
• Leverage customer, clinical and market insights to identify opportunities, inform investment decisions and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Develop and execute global supplier and sourcing strategies, balancing innovation, quality, resilience, value and security of supply.
• Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers and technology partners to drive innovation, performance and long-term value creation.
• Lead strategic commercial discussions, supplier reviews and business case development to support future growth.
• Identify and manage supplier, technology and production risks, ensuring effective mitigation and contingency planning.
• Partner across Product Operations, Manufacturing & Distribution, Fulfilment, Demand Planning, S&OP, Clinical, Marketing and regional teams to translate strategy into successful execution.
• Establish governance, performance frameworks and decision‑making processes that support innovation, delivery and category growth.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the business, creating alignment and influencing strategic outcomes.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing global team, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Own the category budget, ensuring investments deliver sustainable growth, customer value and commercial returns.

Skills

Senior leadership

Ophthalmic lenses knowledge

Global category development

Strategic supplier management

Stakeholder management

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Inclusive leadership

Matrix organization

Job description

Specsavers in the United Kingdom is seeking a Director of Category Development to lead the global ophthalmic lens portfolio and shape long-term strategy for growth and innovation. You will build a high-impact, cross‑functional team and partner with suppliers to deliver market-leading lens solutions.

You will guide multi‑year roadmaps, translate customer insights into product initiatives and manage governance to ensure value and resilience across regions.