Technical Manager Review
at Specsavers
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Manufacturing
Kidderminster
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Technical Manager – Specsavers Vision Labs
As Technical Manager, I lead the technical and CI function within the surfacing operation to improve performance, quality, and efficiency.
Drive process improvements across the full production flow (blocking to dispatch)
Lead CI activities and key projects (e.g. 150k capacity, automation)
Optimise machine performance and reduce downtime
Monitor KPIs and use data to improve output and quality
Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and suppliers
Develop and support the technical and CI team
Overall: Ensure stable, efficient operations and support site growth through continuous improvement.
As Technical Manager, I lead the technical and CI function within the surfacing operation to improve performance, quality, and efficiency.
Drive process improvements across the full production flow (blocking to dispatch)
Lead CI activities and key projects (e.g. 150k capacity, automation)
Optimise machine performance and reduce downtime
Monitor KPIs and use data to improve output and quality
Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and suppliers
Develop and support the technical and CI team
Overall: Ensure stable, efficient operations and support site growth through continuous improvement.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have very much enjoyed my Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship. It has been a valuable experience that has supported both my professional and personal development.
The programme has helped me strengthen my leadership skills, particularly in areas such as change management, communication, and continuous improvement. I found the practical application of learning in my role especially beneficial, as I was able to link theory directly to real projects, such as improving operational processes and team performance.
While balancing the programme alongside a demanding role was sometimes challenging, overall it has been highly rewarding and has added real value to my development as a leader.
The programme has helped me strengthen my leadership skills, particularly in areas such as change management, communication, and continuous improvement. I found the practical application of learning in my role especially beneficial, as I was able to link theory directly to real projects, such as improving operational processes and team performance.
While balancing the programme alongside a demanding role was sometimes challenging, overall it has been highly rewarding and has added real value to my development as a leader.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I have developed a range of both new and existing skills through my Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.
I have strengthened my leadership and communication skills, particularly in managing teams, holding effective 1:1s, and supporting colleagues’ development. I have also improved my ability to manage change and deal with resistance in a structured and confident way.
In addition, I have developed strong problem-solving and analytical skills by using tools such as PDCA, DMAIC, and data analysis to drive improvements in operational performance. My confidence in decision-making and stakeholder management has also grown, especially when working with different departments and senior leaders.
Overall, the programme has helped me become more structured, data-driven, and effective in my role.
I have strengthened my leadership and communication skills, particularly in managing teams, holding effective 1:1s, and supporting colleagues’ development. I have also improved my ability to manage change and deal with resistance in a structured and confident way.
In addition, I have developed strong problem-solving and analytical skills by using tools such as PDCA, DMAIC, and data analysis to drive improvements in operational performance. My confidence in decision-making and stakeholder management has also grown, especially when working with different departments and senior leaders.
Overall, the programme has helped me become more structured, data-driven, and effective in my role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship is generally well organised and structured.
The programme follows a clear framework, with defined units, regular workshops, and planned activities that support steady progress. The combination of virtual sessions, learning materials, and practical tasks helps to build knowledge in a structured way.
At times, balancing the workload alongside a busy role can be challenging, but overall the structure supports development effectively and allows learning to be applied directly in the workplace.
The programme follows a clear framework, with defined units, regular workshops, and planned activities that support steady progress. The combination of virtual sessions, learning materials, and practical tasks helps to build knowledge in a structured way.
At times, balancing the workload alongside a busy role can be challenging, but overall the structure supports development effectively and allows learning to be applied directly in the workplace.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive good support from my employer while completing the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.
I have been given time to work on my coursework and attend sessions, and I receive regular support from my line manager through check-ins and feedback. There is also encouragement to apply what I learn directly into my role, which has been very beneficial.
At times, due to operational demands, it can be challenging to maintain consistent time for the programme, but overall the support has been positive and has helped me progress successfully.
I have been given time to work on my coursework and attend sessions, and I receive regular support from my line manager through check-ins and feedback. There is also encouragement to apply what I learn directly into my role, which has been very beneficial.
At times, due to operational demands, it can be challenging to maintain consistent time for the programme, but overall the support has been positive and has helped me progress successfully.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I receive good support from my training provider while working towards my Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.
My skills coach provides regular guidance, feedback, and progress reviews, which helps keep me on track. The learning materials and sessions are clear and structured, and support is available when needed.
Overall, the support has been consistent and helpful, allowing me to progress confidently through the programme.
My skills coach provides regular guidance, feedback, and progress reviews, which helps keep me on track. The learning materials and sessions are clear and structured, and support is available when needed.
Overall, the support has been consistent and helpful, allowing me to progress confidently through the programme.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship has helped me perform better in my role to a great extent.
The qualification has given me a more structured approach to leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making. I now use tools such as PDCA and data analysis more effectively to improve performance and drive results.
It has also improved my confidence in managing teams, handling challenges, and working with stakeholders across the business. Overall, the learning has had a direct and positive impact on my day-to-day performance.
The qualification has given me a more structured approach to leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making. I now use tools such as PDCA and data analysis more effectively to improve performance and drive results.
It has also improved my confidence in managing teams, handling challenges, and working with stakeholders across the business. Overall, the learning has had a direct and positive impact on my day-to-day performance.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there are a range of extra-curricular activities available at work.
At Specsavers, there are opportunities to get involved in social events, team-building activities, and networking sessions across different departments and sites. These include leadership workshops, cross-site visits, and internal programmes that support collaboration and relationship building.
There is also a strong focus on wellbeing, with access to support services and initiatives that promote work-life balance. Overall, these activities provide good opportunities to connect with colleagues, develop professionally, and build a positive working environment.
At Specsavers, there are opportunities to get involved in social events, team-building activities, and networking sessions across different departments and sites. These include leadership workshops, cross-site visits, and internal programmes that support collaboration and relationship building.
There is also a strong focus on wellbeing, with access to support services and initiatives that promote work-life balance. Overall, these activities provide good opportunities to connect with colleagues, develop professionally, and build a positive working environment.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Specsavers to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Yes, I would recommend Specsavers to a friend.
It offers good opportunities for development, a supportive team environment, and the chance to build a long-term career. Many colleagues highlight the friendly culture and learning opportunities, which makes it a positive place to work overall.
That said, like any organisation, experiences can vary depending on the team and management, but overall I would recommend it as a solid employer with good career prospects.
It offers good opportunities for development, a supportive team environment, and the chance to build a long-term career. Many colleagues highlight the friendly culture and learning opportunities, which makes it a positive place to work overall.
That said, like any organisation, experiences can vary depending on the team and management, but overall I would recommend it as a solid employer with good career prospects.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Specsavers?
If applying to Specsavers:
Understand the business and its values
Show willingness to learn
Demonstrate teamwork
Be positive and reliable
Give real examples of your experience
Overall: Be open, proactive, and aligned with the company’s culture.
Understand the business and its values
Show willingness to learn
Demonstrate teamwork
Be positive and reliable
Give real examples of your experience
Overall: Be open, proactive, and aligned with the company’s culture.
