Head of Partner Development - Burnaby, BC

Location: Burnaby, BC, Canada

(Relocation support available for the successful candidate)

Salary: $115,000 – $160,000

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. As a certified Great Place to Work®, we take pride in our optometrist-owned and -led 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

The Head of Partner Development will develop and drive Canada’s Partner Development offer.  The primary purpose of the role is to design the Partner Capability strategy and enable Partners to access, choose and participate in development programs that will build their individual business leadership capabilities, strengthen their own leadership, and give them the skills and tools to lead large teams. 

The role will also focus on engagement, giving Partners the skills to network, and connect with one another and share experiences and best practice.  “Pay it Forward” is the one of the key initiatives to help improve leadership, but also collaboration amongst the Partnership.

Ultimately the key focus is to embed brilliant basics, regardless of the life-stage of the business, drive profitable performance and to improve employment brand reputation underpinned by highly capable Partnerships.

The Head of Partner Development will also Lead the Partner Delivery team’s execution, collaborating with internal stakeholders, and resourcefully implementing the strategy. The role strives for best practice facilitation and support to enhance the health and strengthen the Partnership.    

Key Responsibilities

• To work with the Retail Director & Director of Central Operations to determine the Canadian Partner Capability Strategy.
• To deliver the Partner Capability strategy, work within the agreed budget and build brand advocacy across the Partnership.
• Lead the Partner Delivery team, supporting their skills, development and execution of the Partner Capability and Engagement strategy.
• To create high performing Partnerships along with workplace and role satisfaction that are in line with GPTW ambitions.  
• To work cross functionally, and collaborate with Global Partner Development, creating 1 tone of voice for Partner Capability improvement.
• Develop and implement a national leadership development offer, core programs, courses, classes and resources to ensure that Partners build their capabilities as business leaders.
• Identify Partners’ needs and evolve offers to target business life-stage and growth cohorts such as Future Partners, New Partners, Stronger Partnerships.
• To work with the Director of Stores and RST to collaborate, drive awareness and be ambassadors of the Partner Capability strategy.
• To lead National PAC in collaboration with the Managing Director, to assist in making informed business and Partnership decisions.  
• To own the ACE strategy for Canada and adapt the Partner Capability requirement to the ongoing and long terms needs of the Partnership.  
• To build a points-based rewards system for attendance to development courses or classes with a minimum expectation required per annum per Partner.  
• Stay well-informed of Partners needs through regular touchpoints such as forums, surveys, meetings with Partners, Director of Stores, Retail Director, and Advisory Groups. 
• Work closely with the Retail L&D team to create training interventions within the Partner Capability strategy.
• Ensure that all investment into Partner Capability has a clear ROI, PIR and clear accountability determined to drive lasting and sustainable outcomes. 
• Work closely with Global Partner Development team inputting into global strategy and ensure that the Canadian Partner Development strategy is aligned globally, but amended to suit business needs

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Relevant facilitation, delivery and development skills in Leadership programs, frameworks, and models
• Coaching experience and training accreditation
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Ability to lead the Head of Partner Delivery
• Proven experience at achieving business objectives through a collaborative team approach. 
• Excellent communication skills in both written and presentation form.
• A high level of interpersonal skills with the ability to build strategic working relationships with a diverse range of people.
• Analytical and logical approach, able to consider multiple and varied solutions to problems/issues.
• Strong experience in the creation of end-to-end initiatives to help build capability and engagement – in particular leadership development projects.
• Strong IT skills with a good working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Nice to have

• Formal Coaching accreditation /qualification.
• Proven experience in implementing successful change initiatives.
• Experience within the Retail/Franchise industry or in Store Operations.
• Supplier Contract Negotiation.

Our Fellow ‘Speccies’ Enjoy

• Generous vacation allotment 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

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.