JUMP TO CONTENT

Squiggly Career. Straightforward Purpose.

Written byMichael Lowry
Posting date: 07 Oct 2025

Matthew Irvine didn’t plan a linear career—and that’s exactly what’s made it so impactful.

He joined Specsavers in 2017 as a Divisional Support Manager, a development role designed to help new starters build confidence and capability. Within a year, he’d held three roles back-to-back, each deepening his understanding of the business and the Specsavers partnership. 

From there, Matthew moved into retail operations, helping drive standards and support across the UK and Ireland. He became Head of Retail Operations just as Covid hit, helping partners pivot to urgent and essential care. It was a defining moment—one that showed how adaptable, resilient, and people-focused Specsavers truly is. 

Over the next few years, Matthew took on regional leadership roles, project delivery across UK/ROI and Northern Europe, and a global strategy role focused on long-term planning and AI capability. Today, as Director of Customer Operations, he’s using everything he’s learned to shape the customer experience—whether in-store or through Specsavers’ award-winning contact centre. 

What’s powered his journey? Saying yes to unexpected opportunities. Staying curious. And believing in the difference Specsavers makes every single day.

From supporting partners through the chaos of Covid to witnessing the life-changing work of the home visits team, Matthew’s proudest moments are rooted in purpose. Whether it’s restoring someone’s hearing, helping a child through their first eye test, or simply offering meaningful human connection—Specsavers changes lives.

Outside of work, Matthew’s passions include football (Leeds United), Formula 1 (McLaren), and travelling—especially skiing in Austria with a side of après ski. 

His advice to anyone considering Specsavers? 

 “Just do it. If you want to make a difference and grow in a business that lives its values—this is the place.” 

Written byMichael Lowry
List #1

#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Rozie’s journey to running an audiology business

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/27/2025

Summary

Hi, I’m Rozie 👋 I’m the Audiology Partner at Specsavers Folkestone My journey with Specsavers started when I was looking to move back home from Gloucestershire. I was working for another high-stree

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

“Specsavers felt right – so I said yes”: Joel’s story

Teaser

Audiology

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

10/17/2025

Summary

When Joel Sebastian was deciding what to do after school, he knew he wanted to help people. Growing up in Kerala, South India, surrounded by family members in medicine, it felt like a natural path. Bu

Teaser

Read more
Why Specsavers was my "yes"

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

09/24/2025

Summary

When Sam Thomas first stepped into the world of optics 16 years ago, she never imagined it would lead to running her own store on the Cornish coast. Her journey from Optical Assistant to national trai

Teaser

Read more
Celebrating National Payroll Week

Teaser

Support Office

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/29/2025

Summary

Celebrating National Payroll WeekPayroll might happen behind the scenes, but it’s at the heart of every organisation. Our Payroll Services team is a mix of problem-solvers, people champions, and proce

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Shaping the future of optometry, one conversation at a time

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/27/2025

Summary

Rachel Pointon’s career in optometry has been anything but linear—and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring. From hospital clinics to high-performing stores, from mentoring pre-regs to influencin

Teaser

Read more
"The most fulfilling part of my role is having the time to connect with patients"

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/27/2025

Summary

Hi, I’m Alan 👋 I grew up on the southside of Glasgow and I’m currently the Lead Optometrist at Specsavers in Sauchiehall Street. How did I get here? To be honest, I was never entirely sure that op

Teaser

Read more
Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

Mike Davidson

by

Mike Davidson

From law to lenses: Hannan Qureshi’s story

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/22/2025

Summary

From law to lenses: Hannan Qureshi’s story After years in the legal profession, Hannan Qureshi has made a bold career switch to follow his passion - becoming the new Retail Director at Specsavers Shep

Teaser

Read more
“I’ve found my place here.”: Daniel's story

Teaser

Home Visits

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/22/2025

Summary

“I’ve found my place here.” Meet Daniel – Optometrist, Specsavers Home Visits Manchester Daniel Morgans didn’t follow the usual path into optometry. His early career included everything from call cent

Teaser

Read more
A career shaped by experience- and instinct: Sara's story

Teaser

Home Visits

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/22/2025

Summary

A career shaped by experience- and instinct When Saraneeya Sivathas joined Specsavers as an Optical Assistant during her BioMed degree, she had no idea that a part-time job would spark a whole new car

Teaser

Read more
"I'm just happier in this role" - Ella's career story

Teaser

Optometry

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

08/18/2025

Summary

"Home visits is refreshing, it’s fulfilling, and I wouldn’t go back.” Meet EllaElla Helliwell lives in a quiet village in Cheshire with her husband and their cat, Rosie. After moving away for universi

Teaser

Read more
View more jobs
List #1

Selected jobs for you

Trainee Optical Retailer

Salary

£10.20-£12.41 an hour DOE

Location

Bexleyheath, Greater London, United Kingdom

Store ID

0315

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Retail Assistant

Location

Bexleyheath

Description

Bexleyheath, Specsavers. 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 h

Reference

sf-85788-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Hannah Crook

Author

Hannah Crook
View job
Admin Assistant

Salary

£10.20 - £12.41 - Depending on age

Location

Stockton-on-Tees, North East, United Kingdom

Store ID

2186

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Administration roles

Location

Stockton-on-Tees

Description

So you’re an organisation expert wanting to take your career to the next level? Our Hearcare Administrator role could be perfect for you.  As an administrator at Specsavers, you’ll be a key part of ou

Reference

sf-85948-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Elisha Aunger

Author

Elisha Aunger
View job
Optical Assistant

Salary

Up to £26,000 (Depending on Experience)

Location

Rickmansworth, East England, United Kingdom

Store ID

1878

Contract Duration

Permanent

Area of Interest

Optical Assistant

Location

Rickmansworth

Description

Are you a caring individual looking to continue your career as an Optical Assistant? You’ve come to the right place.   We’re looking for passionate, hard-workers with some previous optical experience

Reference

sf-85946-1

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Aiden Gerry

Author

Aiden Gerry
Aiden Gerry

Author

Aiden Gerry
View job
View more jobs