Referral Lead

Newmedica; Ellesmere Port; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £45k

25 days annual leave

Company pension

Free eye tests and glasses

Wellbeing support and counselling

Headspace access

Learning and development opportunities

Blue light discount scheme

Job summary

Newmedica is seeking a Referral Lead to drive sustainable NHS and private referrals, focusing on growth in Cheshire Oaks and surrounding networks. You will build strategic partnerships with optometrists, GPs and LOCs, influencing referral quality and private income while aligning with marketing plans.

You will travel extensively, work remotely, and report on KPI delivery, portfolio expansion and commercial impact. Strong presentation and data analysis skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a multi-site clinical environment with NHS policy awareness.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage relationships.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow NHS and private referrals through strategic engagement.
• Build strong relationships with optometrists, GPs, LOCs and referral centers.
• Analyse data to identify opportunities and present plans to leadership.

Skills

Relationship-building

Negotiation

Influencing

Communication skills

Data analysis

Presentation skills

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Who are we?

Newmedica is one of the leading providers of NHS and Privately-funded ophthalmology services in England, delivering outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery to change lives through better sight and eye health.

We’re proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third year running and listed among the UK’s top 30 Best Workplaces™ for 2026 -recognition that reflects how colleagues feel about working here.

Our Purpose is to change lives through better sight and eye health, and our Vision is to end avoidable sight loss in every community we serve; we live our values every day-Commercial, Courageous, Compassion, Collaborative and Curious.

Role overview

As the primary relationship owner between Newmedica Cheshire Oaks and its external referrer network, the Referral Lead is responsible for driving sustainable growth in both NHS and private referrals, with a clear commercial focus on private revenue growth.

You will build, manage and deepen trusted relationships with optometrists, GPs, referral centers and Local Optical Committees (LOCs), acting as a strategic partner rather than a transactional contact. Through insight-led engagement, targeted account planning and close collaboration with internal stakeholders, you will directly influence referral quality, conversion, case mix and private income growth in alignment with marketing plans.

The role has direct accountability for private referral growth outcomes and will be measured by commercial impact, depth of referrer relationships and delivery against agreed KPIs.

What skills and experience do I need

We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable individual with experience working within a multi-site clinical environment and a strong understanding of the NHS policy landscape. Previous experience within an optical or ophthalmic setting, alongside event management experience including organising conferences, CPD events, store visits and exhibition stands, would be advantageous. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of developing and delivering plans to achieve targets, presenting to senior stakeholders including Heads of Departments and Partners, and promoting services to a diverse client base. They will be comfortable working remotely and travelling extensively, with excellent influencing, negotiation and relationship-building skills. Strong communication skills are essential, along with the ability to motivate, challenge and engage individuals and teams. The role requires exceptional organisational skills, flexibility, and a proactive, self-starting approach within a fast-paced, results-driven environment. Candidates should be confident analysing data to identify opportunities and strengths, prioritising workloads effectively, and delivering results to deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel is required, as is the confidence to present to both small and large audiences, facilitate and chair meetings, and lead action planning activities.

What we are offering

• A salary of up to £45k
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• A company pension scheme
• Access to a range of benefits including free eye tests, discounted or free glasses, a free 24/7 wellbeing/counselling/advice service, death in service cover, and the blue light discount scheme
• Free access to Headspace App
• An environment where your development is supported through a range of various learning tools and courses
• Working with a friendly multi-disciplinary team passionate about improving the lives of our patients

Our employment offers are subject to receipt of satisfactory pre-employment checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

At Newmedica, we actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, and we are committed to this in both the running of our services and how we recruit our staff. We actively encourage applications from everyone with the essential requirements of the job, regardless of any protected characteristics.

Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.