Senior 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 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

Purpose of the role

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 demands with a positive mindset.
• Comfortable working independently, taking initiative, and delivering results within a complex, global matrix organization.

Compensation: $110,000 - $125,000 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 careers.ca@specsavers.com . We will work with you to meet your needs and ensure a fair and equitable experience.