HR Business Partner (Retail & Clinical)

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 12th 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 240 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 main purpose of this role is to provide first-class HR service and support to our retail & clinical teams across Canada. By delivering comprehensive and effective HR services, this role ensures that the retail & clinical teams can dedicate their efforts to optimizing store performance and supporting our partnership model. The HR Business Partner plays a critical role in supporting employee relations issues, implementing HR policies, working on strategic projects, and equipping stakeholders with the tools they need to succeed.   

In addition to the day-to-day HR role, this role also involves leading and supporting the design, implementation, and integration of essential people guidelines, processes, and systems to ensure an efficient and effective HR function. This requires building credible and valued relationships through genuine partnership, as well as challenging and shaping the thinking of our leaders and partners with energy, passion, and pragmatism. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide first-class HR service and support to retail & clinical teams across Canada
• Support the achievement of business strategies by providing proactive and meaningful insight based on key people trends and organizational strengths and constraints. Bring forward recommendations to solve key issues   
• Ensure timely and effective resolution of employee relations issues, fostering a positive and compliant work environment 
• Work closely with the Retail Support Team to optimize store performance and support the Specsavers Partnership model
• 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 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
• Drive continuous improvement in HR practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Build credible and valued relationships with Partners, retail teams, and leaders through genuine partnership
• Lead and support change initiatives within the retail business to drive continuous improvement and adaptation
• Identify and mitigate legal and business risks related to HR activities
• Provide coaching and feedback to managers and employees to drive performance improvement
• Monitor and analyze HR metrics to inform decision-making and strategic planning
• Participate in and support Great Place to Work initiatives 

What We’re Looking For 

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration or a related field
• 5+ years’ experience in HR, including experience working in a retail environment; retail experience is preferred
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• In-depth knowledge of HR principles, practices, and Canadian employment law
• Strong ability to handle and resolve employee relations issues professionally
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with business stakeholders
• Experience in leading and supporting change initiatives
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality 

Compensation: $85,000 - $105,000 base salary, plus quarterly bonus, profit sharing, and benefits. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience 

Speccies’ Benefits  

• 4 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  
• Profit sharing program
• 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 

Experience the best of both worlds. At Specsavers, we embrace a hybrid approach that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility to work from home. We come together in office three days a week to connect, innovate, and keep our culture thriving. 

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 by contacting us at #LI-ED1 #LI-Hybrid