What is Pathway?
Pathway is Specsavers’ development program, designed to support experienced optical and retail professionals who are ready to take the next step toward business ownership. Since launching in Australia and New Zealand in 2012, the program has continually evolved to ensure our future partners are equipped to lead high-performing stores with confidence.
Through a structured 6-month journey, Pathway focuses on building the key capabilities required for partnership. With four intakes each year, participants benefit from a blended learning experience that combines in-person workshops and online development modules, all designed to create partner-ready leaders for our network.
Program scope
The Pathway program equips participants with the critical skills, confidence, and commercial understanding needed to lead teams, manage a business, and ultimately become a Specsavers Joint Venture Partner (JVP). Over the course of the program, participants engage in a blend of leadership training, commercial development, self‑reflection, and hands‑on experience supported throughout by dedicated program mentors, the Regional Support Team, and the Pathway Team.
Program content
The Pathway Program prepares you for Joint Venture Partnership by developing 5 key capabilities:
Self-Development allows you to take ownership of your growth, seek feedback, and use tools like DISC profiling to adapt your approach.
Change Management enables you to lead change effectively through a store project that improves commercial or operational performance.
Leadership teaches you to drive high team performance by tailoring your leadership style and supporting team development.
Commercial Awareness ensures you understand business levers, interpret the stores' reporting, and make informed decisions for future success.
People & Customer Operations gives you insights into customer journeys, recruitment, retention, retail award terms, and the store buy-in process.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Pathway, retail leaders must be working full-time as a Supervisor or Store Manager in a Specsavers store.
Optometrists are required to have been practicing for a minimum of two years, be working full-time in a Specsavers store and have completed the Year 2 Project.
All applicants are expected to demonstrate strong commercial acumen and proven leadership capabilities.
Work in store
You will need to be working full time as a Store Manager, Supervisor or Optometrist in one of our Specsavers stores.
01
Let us know
Register your interest with your Store Partner, Regional Relationship Manager or our Pathway Team.
02
Demonstrate your strengths
Sit a pathway pre-assessment with your dedicated team Pathway Program Consultant & Regional Relationship Manager.
03
Get Started
Once you have successfully completed your pre-assessment, you will then be aligned to one of our upcoming Pathway intakes.
04
Ready to find out more?
Are you looking to take the next step in your optometry, audiology or retail career? We’re always happy to have a chat about how we can help you get to where you want to be.
Meet the team
Our Pathway and Partner Recruitment Teams are here to help you take the next step in your career.
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