Optical Practice Manager

Job Overview

Flame Health Optometry have been instructed to recruit an Optical Practice Manager for a full-time position in Colchester, Essex, offering £39,999–£40,000 plus benefits.

This opportunity would suit an experienced retail manager, particularly a Dispensing Optician or Optical Advisor, who is ready to lead a new optical store and help establish its customer experience from the outset.

As Optical Practice Manager, you will play a central role in launching and developing a new optical brand. You will lead, motivate and develop the store team while overseeing daily operations, performance and service standards.

The role involves delivering personalised customer care, handling complex customer queries with clarity and professionalism, and ensuring that clinical and operational processes are followed.

You will work closely with in-house opticians and wider clinical teams, support the rollout and identity of the new brand, and help shape how the store operates. Full training and ongoing career development are provided.

Our client is a forward‑thinking optical business backed by a well‑established, industry‑leading organisation with a strong heritage in eye care. Since 2008, the wider business has grown from modest beginnings into a trusted name, built around customer care, trust and the responsibility involved in supporting people with their sight.

This new store forms part of a brand launch within a global optical family. It offers the opportunity to contribute to an innovative customer‑first environment while helping define the standards and identity of a new retail concept.

You will have experience in retail management, with an optical background welcomed but not essential. Dispensing Opticians and Optical Advisors are encouraged to apply where they can demonstrate the leadership capability required for the position.

You should be passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and confident in leading, communicating with and developing people. The successful candidate will be motivated, adaptable and comfortable supporting a new operation as it takes shape.

You will also need to manage customer concerns professionally, maintain service standards and work effectively with clinical colleagues.

This role suits an established retail leader or optical professional looking to take ownership of a new store and play a visible part in its development. It would appeal to someone motivated by building a team, shaping customer standards and growing within a wider optical organisation.

The position is based onsite in Colchester, Essex, a well‑connected town in the east of England with rail and road links serving the surrounding area.