Job Specifications
Location: This hybrid role requires 3 days on-site at our Burnaby, BC office and 2 days remote per week.
Welcome to Specsavers – where we’re not just about eyewear and eyecare, but about changing lives through better sight. Ranked the 11th Best Workplace™ in Canada and 16th globally by Great Place to Work®, we’re proud of our optometrist-owned model that delivers high-quality, accessible eyecare for every budget.
Founded 40 years ago in the UK by visionary optometrists Doug and Mary Perkins, Specsavers has remained privately owned since day one. Today, we are a $7.8 billion global business with over 45,000 colleagues across more than 2,700 retail optical locations.
In Canada, our support office is based in Burnaby, BC. Since entering the market in 2021, we’ve been scaling rapidly, now with nearly 200 locations nationwide. With advanced clinical equipment and a wide range of affordable, high-quality eyewear, we’re transforming the way Canadians experience eyecare.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a values-driven organization, join us as we continue to grow. Together, we can change lives through better sight.
What You’ll Do
The Senior HR Business Partner provides first-class HR service and support to our retail teams across Canada, enabling them to focus on optimizing store performance and supporting our partnership model. This role delivers comprehensive HR services aligned with our unique business model, and plays a key part in talent management, employee relations, policy implementation, strategic projects, and broader HR initiatives across the Canadian business.
Success in this role requires a deep understanding of the Specsavers business model to effectively support our Partners in leading their stores. This includes designing, implementing, and integrating essential people processes and systems to ensure an efficient HR function. Building credible relationships through genuine partnership is essential, as is the ability to challenge and shape leadership thinking with energy, pragmatism, and passion.
Key Responsibilities
Work closely with Retail and Clinical Leadership, as well as their field support teams, to provide first-class HR service and support to our Partners across Canada
Work closely with the Retail Support Team to optimize store performance and support the Specsavers Partnership model
Build credible and valued relationships with Partners, retail teams, and leaders through genuine partnership
Act as a strategic partner by offering coaching, feedback, and challenge to support leadership development and drive accountability.
Work collaboratively with all stakeholders within a global organization on key initiatives and equip stakeholders with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to achieve their goals
Implement and maintain HR policies and procedures that align with company objectives and regulatory requirements
Lead and manage strategic external relationships that integrate with our store support model (ie. Inspired HR)
Lead and manage Great Place to Work initiatives across stores
Lead and support the design, implementation, and integration of essential people guidelines, processes, and systems
Support with the implementation and management of Health & Safety programs across Canada
Analyze people-related challenges, providing objective input and partnering with Centres of Expertise when required, to drive resolution.
Apply HR expertise to influence change management, organizational effectiveness, and leadership capability.
Identify and mitigate legal and business risks related to people practices.
Use data and commercial insight to influence leaders, prioritize actions, and demonstrate measurable impact on people and business outcomes.
What We’re Looking For
Minimum 5 years proven experience operating in a true HR Business Partner capacity. Preference will be given to those who have experience within a Retail environment.
Working or understanding of retail, clinical or franchise businesses.
Well-Rounded HR Knowledge – A strong generalist background with working knowledge across key HR areas including Learning & Development, Change Management, Rewards, Talent, Organizational Effectiveness, and Employee Relations.
Able to think strategically and contribute to long-term planning, while remaining grounded in the day-to-day realities of HR delivery in a Retail environment – comfortable driving practical, people-focused solutions.
Skilled at building trusted relationships and influencing leaders at all levels to drive business outcomes.
Confident navigating ambiguity and leading people through change in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
Excellent communication and listening skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
Understands how HR initiatives contribute to business performance and can demonstrate tangible value.
Tenacious, resourceful, and emotionally intelligent—able to manage competing priorities and adapt to shifting d
About the Company
Specsavers began 40 years ago with the vision of two optometrists, Doug and Mary Perkins, who set out to provide best-value eyecare to everybody.
Their passion for optometry has led Specsavers to become the largest privately-owned optical group in the world, delivering high-quality, affordable optical and hearing care in 12 countries. And it continues to shape the lives and experience of around 41,000 colleagues who are developing their careers with us across the globe.
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