Optical Manager - Gillingham

Asda; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK retail company is seeking an Optical Manager for their Gillingham Pier location. This role involves managing the optical operation and leading a team of Optometrists and Optical Assistants while ensuring excellent customer service and clinical care. Applicants must be fully qualified dispensing opticians registered with the GOC and demonstrate strong leadership skills in a fast-paced environment. Benefits include a pension scheme, company bonus, and well-being services.

Benefits

Discretionary company bonus

Company pension up to 7% matched

15% colleague discount

Free access to well-being services

Professional indemnity insurance

Qualifications

• Fully qualified dispensing optician, registered with the GOC.
• On track to meet the statutory points requirement for CPD.
• Proven leadership skills in a fast-paced optics environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the entire optical operation including a team.
• Ensure compliance processes and procedures are met.
• Forecast sales and meet departmental targets.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service

Time management

Education

Qualified dispensing optician, registered with the GOC

CPD points requirement

Job description

Job Title

Optical Manager – Gillingham Pier

Location & Contract

Gillingham Pier, Permanent, Part Time – 40 hours per week, Days shift 9am – 6pm, Competitive salary plus benefits, Closing Date 29 January 2026

Your Role

At Asda we pride ourselves on the health and wellbeing of our customers. Our Optical Managers are key to our success, ensuring the team has everything they need to deliver excellent service and clinical care. We offer a unique fixed‑price approach – no up‑selling, single vision and varifocals same price, no top‑up for anti‑scratch or thinner lenses. You will be backed by our Home Office clinical support and Area Managers to maximise your role each day.

About You

You will oversee and manage the entire optical operation, including a team of Optometrists and Optical Assistants. Your responsibilities include:

• Clinic and shop floor management to meet customer needs
• Compliance processes and procedures
• Sales forecasting and department targets
• Customer query resolution
• Coaching and developing your team, confidence in coaching others is essential
• Time‑management and organisational skills to handle fast‑paced duties

Qualifications & Experience

• Fully qualified dispensing optician, registered with the GOC
• On track to meet the statutory points requirement for CPD
• Proven leadership skills in a fast‑paced optics environment
• Driving, ambitious and customer‑centric to meet departmental targets
• Excellent customer and patient care, organised and time‑effective

Benefits

• Discretionary company bonus
• Company pension up to 7% matched
• 15% colleague discount in store and online
• Free access to well‑being services: Stream, 24/7 virtual GP, counselling, health and dental cash plans, 24/7 employee assistance helpline, airport parking, theme parks and cinema discounts
• Professional indemnity insurance
• GOC fees paid
• CET package
• Flexible working patterns in accordance with 7 days opening
• Asda Allies Inclusion Networks – fostering inclusion and celebrating differences
• Excellent parental leave policies: maternity & adoption, paternity, shared parental, neonatal leave, fertility treatment support