Trainee Optical Assistant

Specsavers; Hastings; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer pension auto-enrolment

Specsavers Perks

WeCare support

Headspace subscription

Eyecare discounts

Birthday day off

Enhanced family leave

Job summary

Specsavers Hastings store is looking for a friendly Trainee Optical Assistant to warmly welcome customers and learn the essentials of eyewear care in a busy Sainsbury’s setting. You’ll receive comprehensive training with support from experienced Optometrists and Technicians to help you grow in your role.

No previous experience is required; the team values enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. This role offers clear development pathways and a supportive local team environment.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming customers into store
• Booking in eye tests
• Pre-screening patients
• Providing style advice
• Measuring frames
• Taking phone call

Job description

Are you a caring individual looking to start your career as an Optical Assistant? You’ve come to the right place.

We aren’t looking for people with years of experience and heaps of qualifications, just passionate, hard-workers ready to confidently welcome and help customers as they walk through our doors. And once you’ve found your feet as a Trainee Optical Assistant, you don’t just have to stop there. We have plenty of professional training and development in other business areas, as well as the support of experienced Opticians and Technicians supporting you on your journey. So whatever you want your career to look like, you can bring it to life at Specsavers.

Our store

Join our small and supportive team at the Hastings Sainsbury’s Specsavers store, located inside the busy Sainsbury’s Superstore on John Macadam Way, Sedlescombe Road. As a close‑knit team working in a compact store environment, you’ll enjoy a friendly, collaborative atmosphere with a steady flow of customers thanks to the supermarket setting. The site also benefits from free on‑site parking for colleagues, and while public transport options are available, driving is more convenient for accessing this store. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced yet personable environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding care as part of a dedicated local team.

Our team

You’ll be joining a warm and collaborative team made up of experienced Optometrists, a dedicated Contact Lens Optician, and an established Audiology service, all working closely together to deliver exceptional care. The store has a strong culture of training and development, with plenty of opportunities to grow your skills through ongoing support, in‑store coaching, and access to further professional qualifications. As part of the wider local cluster, you’ll also have the chance to gain experience in nearby linked Specsavers stores, broadening your exposure to different clinical setups and team dynamics while building your confidence and expertise in a supportive environment.

What’s on offer?

As well as all the support you need and great training and development opportunities, we have a whole load of benefits on offer for you to enjoy. These include:

• £8.20ph - £12.91ph
• Full Time - 40 hours per week, to include working a Saturday & Sunday plus 3 weekdays each week
• We will auto-enroll you into the pension scheme with an employer contribution when you contribute too
• Specsavers Perks - a portal to a world of great everyday discounts and savings
• WeCare - our employee support service to help you and your immediate family when you need it most
• Complimentary subscription to the Headspace app
• Eyecare and hearcare discounts for you and your family
• Enjoy an additional paid day off on your birthday to celebrate you!
• Enhanced family leave and company sick pay

What we’re looking for?

Some of the responsibilities of this role include:

• Welcoming customers into store
• Booking in eye tests
• Pre-screening patients
• Providing style advice
• Measuring frames
• Taking phone call

Find out more

If you are comfortable with the responsibilities we’re looking for and are excited by this opportunity, we’re excited to hear from you.

Got what we’re looking for? This job will close when it's filled.