Head of Communications & Engagement

Location: This hybrid role requires 3 days on-site at our Burnaby, BC office and 2 days remote per week.

Salary: $145,000 - $165,000
Actual compensation within the range will be based on experience
We also offer quarterly variable compensation package (bonus) + benefits

About Specsavers

Welcome to Specsavers - where we're not just about eyewear and eyecare, we're a purpose-driven organization committed to changing lives through better sight. Ranked as the 11th Best Workplace™ in Canada and 16th Best Workplace™ in the world by Great Place to Work®, we take pride in our optometrist-owned business model, providing quality eyecare and affordable eyewear to Canadians across the country.

Our journey began 40 years ago in the UK, with visionary optometrists Doug and Mary Perkins. Today, we support over 2,700 healthcare businesses, passionately caring for more than 44 million patients and customers worldwide.

At Specsavers, we believe that access to quality eyecare should be a right, not a luxury. That's why we go above and beyond to transform the eyecare experience in Canada. With our advanced clinical equipment and an extensive range of affordable and high-quality eyewear, we're here to make a real difference in the lives of our customers.

But that’s not all - we're also dedicated to fostering a positive, inclusive and supportive work culture. We strive to create an environment where our partners thrive while benefiting from the collective support and resources of our dedicated teams.

If you're passionate about making a difference, providing incredible care, and being part of a values and purpose-driven organization, join us on our journey to revolutionize the way Canadians experience eyecare. Together, we can change lives through better sight.

What You’ll Do

Purpose of the role

The Canadian Communications team plays a vital role in ensuring that all key activities and information impacting joint venture Store Partners, Store Colleagues, and Support/Head Office employees are communicated in a timely, engaging, informative, and inspiring manner. Using the most effective channels, the team supports stakeholders across all provinces, keeping them well-informed and aligned with the annual plan, business updates, and other relevant communications tailored to each audience.

The Head of Communications & Engagement leads the strategic planning, content creation, design, and delivery of all core internal communications in support of the annual plan. This is achieved through a comprehensive communications strategy that encompasses both internal teams and in-store stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy and Leadership

• Responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies for Internal and Store communications in Canada and continuously evolving it based on feedback and insights.
• Responsible for day-to-day leadership of the Canadian communications team; workflow planning, client liaison, trouble shooting, people development and escalation.
• Be an active member of the Specsavers Global Communications network to ensure that Canada's views and requirements are heard and understood, as well as working with the network to share best practice and exchange ideas.
• Overall responsible for all external suppliers used; contract negotiation, escalations and simply ensuring we get best value for money and quality results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Support

• Be the first point of contact for communication needs across new initiatives, partnering early with stakeholders to shape clear, timely, and impactful communications.
• Build strong working relationships across departments including Retail Operations, Trading, Clinical, IT, and HR to ensure alignment, visibility, and a joined-up experience for Stores and Support Office.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to support internal people initiatives, organizational changes, and commercially sensitive messaging with compassion and care.
• Ensure that plans are in place for all commercial projects and business initiatives for communications, for all Partners and Colleagues. 
• Proactively connect the dots between functions to identify communication gaps, reduce duplication, and create shared ownership of internal narratives.

Engagement & Community Building

• Nurture our internal community, ensuring people feel connected to our shared purpose, our culture, and one another across stores and support office.
• Champion Partner and Store engagement through relevant, thoughtful, and balanced communications that keep them informed, heard, and inspired.
• Support initiatives that contribute to Great Place to Work and a culture where people feel valued, recognized, and proud to be part of the business.

Brand Standards

• Accountable for enabling internal visual design work to deliver communications that are in line with the Specsavers Group brand standards.
• Accountable for ensuring the overall tone and language used in all communications is appropriate for the various audiences across the business.

Channel Development & Management

• Lead the development and management of communications channels, platforms, events, and forums that connect and engage Partners, Support Office, and Stores.
• Oversee and evolve key internal platforms, ensuring they effectively support communications across stores and the Support Office.
• Monitor content performance and channel engagement, using insights to improve reach and impact.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience in a senior communications role or similar
• A good understanding of the business priorities and initiatives, particularly those of an impacting nature
• An organized approach to prioritization and planning
• An eye for detail
• Ability to communicate with and influence at all levels of the business
• Able to prioritise and respond to changing environments and business needs
• Able to conform to the norm as well as be courageous in proposing ideas and new ways of working
• A good level of emotional intelligence to tap into the mood and needs of key audiences
• Excellent leadership and management skills
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken

Nice to have

• Experience developing communications strategy for internal stakeholders of all levels as well as in-store colleagues is ideal

Our Fellow ‘Speccies’ Enjoy

• Generous vacation allotment and 1 paid volunteer day
• 3 weeks of vacation and 1 paid volunteer day
• 1 extra paid day off and an eyecare voucher on your birthday
• RRSP matching
• Quarterly performance bonus
• Healthcare spending account
• Health and dental benefits effective on your first day
• Team and company social events

Behaviours We Value

• Collaborative: We work together as one Specsavers to deliver our purpose
• Curious: We question, explore, and seek out diverse perspectives to develop our knowledge and understanding
• Courageous: We challenge the status quo, we experiment with good ideas, and we are brave, bold, and fast in our decision making
• Compassionate: We care, support, and help each other
• Commercial: We treat money wisely and make decisions that are good for our customers, our partners, our people, and good for the long term

We hope that in applying with us, you value these things as well!

Our Hybrid Work Model

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Specsavers, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that a diverse team enriches our work environment and enables us to achieve our goals. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. If you believe you can contribute to our mission and vision, we welcome your application, even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We value the unique skills and perspectives each individual brings to our team.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We will work with you to meet your needs and ensure a fair and equitable experience.