
A Saturday job that sparked something bigger
Sign Up For Post Alerts
At 16, Charlie-Leigh Martin took a Saturday job at her local Specsavers in Chelmsley Wood. Six years later, she’s running her own store in Alcester as a director. “I was still in sixth form and thinking about becoming a paramedic,” she says. “I’d picked a mix of A-levels- business, health and social care, drama, psychology- because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.”
Her cousin and cousin’s husband were already in leadership roles at the store, so she had a glimpse of what a career in optics could look like. “I started as a Saturday girl, just to earn a bit of money. But I liked the team, the customers, and the work. I started to get the hang of things.”
A pivotal conversation
When university decisions loomed, her store directors sat her down for a performance review that changed everything. “They laid out my options and said, ‘You’ve got the skills to go far here.’ That was the first time I thought, maybe I could do this.”
Discovering a passion for leadership
Charlie decided to stay and soon joined the store’s Leadership Academy- a six-month internal programme that gave her a taste of management. “It was a brilliant experience. You learn about KPIs, leadership, and how the business works, but without the pressure of being a manager yet. That was the turning point. I realised I really enjoyed it.”
From there, things moved quickly. She became a supervisor, then a manager, and eventually joined the Specsavers Pathway programme, which prepares people for store ownership. “I gave myself five years to complete Pathway and get a store. I did it in under a year!”
Leading with trust and respect
Now 22, Charlie is co-director of the Alcester store. “I was nervous at first. I didn’t know the area or the team. But I focused on building trust- getting to know everyone individually. That made all the difference.
She credits her progress to being driven, people-focused, and open to learning. “I’m very goal-oriented, but I also care about how people feel. I don’t just delegate- I lead by example. I’ll always show someone how to do something, not just tell them.”
Support has been key. “From day one, I’ve had people around me who believed in me. Whether it was my directors showing me the ropes or someone checking in during Pathway, that support helped me grow. Even now, I’ve brought the Leadership Academy into the Alcester store because I know how valuable it can be.”
Learning through experience
Charlie also highlights the importance of being allowed to make mistakes. “My old team gave me responsibility and let me learn from it. That helped build my confidence as a leader.”
One of the most surprising parts of her journey? The last few months. “I’ve never worked anywhere else, and I’ve moved to a completely different area. I still live in Birmingham, but I commute to Alcester, which is a small, community-focused town. It’s very different to what I’m used to, but I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the team and the customers.”
She’s also found a strong partnership with her co-director, James. “You never know how that dynamic will work, but we get on really well. Specsavers put a lot of thought into those partnerships, and it makes a big difference.”
Looking ahead, Charlie and James are focused strengthening the store’s culture. “We want to get more involved in the community, do more team-building, and make this a place people love to work. It already has a great culture- we just want to build on that.”
Advice for future leaders
Her advice to others thinking about a similar path? “It’s achievable. You don’t have to wait years. If you’re focused and passionate, and you ask for support when you need it, you can get there.”
And to her 16-year-old self? “You won’t believe where you’ll be in six years. Just keep doing what you love and stay true to yourself.”
Join our team
If you're looking for a dynamic, supportive, and patient-centred workplace, Specsavers might just be the perfect fit for you.
Join a team where you can grow, learn, and make a difference every day.
Explore opportunitiesTags
#FeelsLikeSpecsavers

Teaser
RetailContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2025
Summary
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

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
Support OfficeContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
by
Mike Davidson

Teaser
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish 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
Home VisitsContent Type
BlogPublish 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
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish 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
OptometryContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/15/2025
Summary
Parth Shah, Lead Clinical Performance Consultant (CPC), qualified as an optometrist at Specsavers in 2003. Since then, his journey has taken him from the clinic to the classroom, the boardroom, and ev
Selected jobs for you
Salary
Starting salary of £7.75 per hour
Location
Fareham, South, United Kingdom
Store ID
1462
Contract Duration
Fixed Term
Fixed Term Contract
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Location
Fareham
Description
Optical Assistant ApprenticeshipWhiteley, Hampshire Fantastic benefits - birthday day off, dental and medical, in store discounts plus more! Large busy store with chance to progressSo, you’re a proac
Reference
sf-85468-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Nichola Adamson
Author
Nichola AdamsonSalary
Up to £12.41 (age dependent)
Location
Witney, South, United Kingdom
Store ID
0309
Contract Duration
Permanent
Area of Interest
Administration roles
Location
Witney
Description
Admin Assistant - Witney So you’re an organisation expert wanting to take your career to the next level? Our Administrator role could be perfect for you. As an administrator at Specsavers, you’ll be
Reference
sf-85467-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Aiden Gerry
Author
Aiden GerrySalary
£8 per hour
Location
Worksop, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Store ID
0217
Contract Duration
Fixed Term
Fixed Term Contract
Area of Interest
Optical Assistant Apprenticeship
Location
Worksop
Description
Optical Assistant ApprenticeshipSpecsavers Worksop So, you’re a proactive people person, passionate about retail and offering the best customer service? Sounds like you’d be a great fit here. If you’v
Reference
sf-85464-1
Expiry Date
01/01/0001

Author
Rebecca Hooper
Author
Rebecca Hooper