JUMP TO CONTENT

Meet Carl Ferrand, Head of Procurement

Mike Davidson our consultant managing the role
Written by Mike Davidson
Posting date: 26 Sep 2024

Please introduce yourself and tell us your current role at Specsavers

Hi, I am Carl Ferrand and I am Head of Procurement here at Specsavers. Me and the team support the business with Indirect procurement across our support office functions.

What was your background before joining Specsavers?

I have worked across a number of industries before coming to Specsavers including Financial Services, Insurance, Services and Oil and Gas. I have always worked in Procurement.

Tell me a little bit about your journey at Specsavers?

I joined Specsavers in 2019 as a Senior Category Manager, after two years in that role I obtained a promotion into my current role that I have been in now for over two years.

How did Specsavers help and support your development?

The concept of discussing development, having a plan and progressing towards it has always been present since day one of joining.

What gives you pride in your role?

Loads of things, but to put my finger on a few…I love our team and how we work together,  I love the style of Procurement we practise here at Specsavers, and I love the business’ purpose and culture.

What have you learnt during your time at Specsavers?

The size and scales of the business is amazing, and our pursuit of our purpose is at the centre of everything.

What would you say to encourage someone thinking about applying?

Do it, if you love delivering quality procurement and want to work for an amazing brand and with awesome colleagues.

Why do you love working at Specsavers?

This is a hard one to land on a concise point or two. I’d maybe summarise to say this is the best place I have every worked.

What one word would you use to describe the Specsavers culture?

Family.

Finally, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work

I live in Bournemouth and love all things beach and outdoors. I also enjoy playing hockey and a spot of running.

Mike Davidson our consultant managing the role
Written by Mike Davidson
List #1

#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

I've found what I've been looking for

Teaser

Home Visits

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/10/2026

Summary

Sophie’s career in optics didn’t follow a straight path. Starting as an Optical Assistant Apprentice with no prior experience, she explored both retail and clinical settings before finding her calling

Teaser

Read more
I prioritise what matters most in Home Visits

Teaser

Home Visits

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/06/2026

Summary

After more than a decade working in optics across busy, changing territories, Natasha took a step back to focus on her family during a difficult time. Now, as a domiciliary optometrist, she’s rediscov

Teaser

Read more
My hearing loss inspired my audiology career

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/03/2026

Summary

When Sophie Ward joined Specsavers as a lab technician apprentice, she had no idea it would lead to a career in audiology. Today, as Customer Service Director for Romford Audiology Domiciliary, Sophie

Teaser

Read more
The apprenticeship that re-wrote my story

Teaser

Apprenticeships

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

07/02/2026

Summary

Georga Harrison is proud to be part of our Poole store as it celebrates its 40th anniversary this month. Having started her journey here as an apprentice, she’s grown into her role as retail manager.

Teaser

Read more
I didn’t just change jobs. I changed everything

Teaser

Home Visits

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

06/17/2026

Summary

Ben Asbury, Domiciliary Optical Assistant, made the move from Store Manager in London to the Clwyd and Snowdonia Home Visits team. This unexpected step into domiciliary led him to find a completely di

Teaser

Read more
Relocating and Working Together - From Ghana to Ireland

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

05/05/2026

Summary

Michael recently relocated from Ghana to Ireland through the Specsavers international programme, making the move alongside his best friend Marvin. The pair moved together and now even work in the sam

Teaser

Read more
Driving clinical excellence together

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/14/2026

Summary

We chatted with the Optometry Director in Norfolk to understand how working with Clinical Performance Consultants (CPCs) has totally transformed their approach to clinical leadership and continually i

Teaser

Read more
From optometrist to my dream job

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/14/2026

Summary

Ellie Barker, Associate Clinical Performance Consultant (CPC) at Specsavers, shares her career journey and why this role has given her the perfect balance of flexibility, trust, and impact. My journey

Teaser

Read more
How Vyasa took his optometry career from Australia to Ireland

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/09/2026

Summary

When Vyasa first started thinking about a career in health, he never imagined it would eventually take him from Queensland to Tasmania, and then across the world to Dublin. Now a CORU-registered optom

Teaser

Read more
Two stores, one lifeline - thanks to CPCs

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

02/26/2026

Summary

Caroline Angell, Optom Partner in South Shields, says: “When I think about what’s kept me afloat through the toughest times as an optometrist partner, one name comes to mind: my Clinical Performance C

Teaser

Read more
View all opportunities
List #1

Selected jobs for you

Assistant Manager

Salary

€38,000 OTE

Location

Santry, Ireland

Store ID

0584

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Retail Supervisor

Location

Santry

Description

Are you a motivated team leader with an eye for detail wanting to bring your skills to a global, difference-making company? You’ve come to the right place.  As long as you’re ready to lead by example

Reference

sf-93439-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Andrew Hastings Find out more
Trainee Optical Assistant

Salary

£12.71

Location

Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Store ID

0298

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Trainee Optical Assistant

Location

Ballymena

Description

Are you a caring individual looking to start your career as an Optical Assistant? You’ve come to the right place.We aren’t looking for people with years of experience and heaps of qualifications, just

Reference

sf-93438-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Andrew Hastings Find out more
Optometry Partnership opportunity

Salary

Location

Chippenham, South West

Store ID

0406

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Optometry Partner

Location

Chippenham

Description

 Specsavers Optometry Partnership  Multi-store ownership opportunity across Chippenham, Devizes & Melksham An exciting opportunity has arisen to join an established and successful linked partnership a

Reference

sf-93433-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Christina Cheyne Find out more
View all opportunities