Head of Projects and Planning

Who are we?

Newmedica, part of the Specsavers group, is one of the leading providers of NHS ophthalmology services in England, delivering outpatient appointments, diagnostic testing and eye surgery to change lives through better sight and eye health.

We’re proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for the third year running and listed among the UKs top
30

Best Workplaces for 2026—recognition that reflects how colleagues feel about working here.

Our Purpose is to change lives through better sight and eye health, and our Vision is to end avoidable sight loss in every community we serve, we live our values every day - Commercial, Courageous, Compassion, Collaborative and Curious.

Closing date for applications: 16th July

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 5th August.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Projects and Planning to join our team. The role can be a remote role with travel as required to the Newmedica offices (Nottingham and London), events based both in the offices and offsite, and OJV clinics across the country.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will provide leadership and direction through the development and execution of our business planning processes and governance of performance against our plans. You will also play a key role in supporting the ongoing development of our strategy and embedding project management best practice across the organisation.

You’ll lead the creation and governance of Newmedica’s long-term and annual plans, ensuring strategic priorities are translated into clear, trackable initiatives and that progress is effectively monitored. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across the business to maintain visibility of active and pipeline projects, manage risks within the planning process and ensure the organisation remains focused on the activities that will have the greatest impact.

Working closely with the Newmedica Leadership Team and colleagues across the business, you’ll facilitate the development of long-term and annual plans, ensuring alignment across functions and maintaining effective governance processes. You’ll provide oversight of our project portfolio, ensuring projects are appropriately prioritised, governed and reported on, while supporting teams to adopt consistent project management approaches and best practice.

You’ll build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including Board level, providing challenge, support and guidance to help deliver successful outcomes. You’ll lead selected strategic programmes and projects, establishing clear governance, managing dependencies and risks, and ensuring teams remain focused on achieving business objectives. Alongside this, you’ll lead and develop a small team, creating an environment where people can thrive, grow and deliver their best work.

We’re looking for someone with significant experience leading of leading and supporting senior teams with planning and delivery of commitments. Alongside this experience of developing effective planning and reporting frameworks, you’ll have a strong understanding of project management processes, governance and full project life cycles, bring that to life in a simple but effective way.

You’ll be confident building relationships with senior stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies, influencing and challenging constructively to achieve the right outcomes. Strong leadership experience is essential, including leading multi-disciplinary and multi-regional teams and delivering programmes that have driven measurable business performance and growth.

You’ll bring excellent organisational skills, a strategic mindset and the ability to simplify complex issues into clear and actionable plans. You’ll be a confident communicator, comfortable managing risk, driving continuous improvement and championing high standards of quality and delivery.

• Up to £100,000 depending upon experience
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus 1 day birthday leave
• On target bonus of 20%
• Car allowance
• Group profit share scheme
• A company pension scheme
• Private…