Speciality managers take charge at Asda

In future all of the specialist outlets within a store, such as optical, will be run by a speciality manager and not an optical manager.
The changes are designed to provide greater opportunities for specialists working within outlets to move into mainstream retail management and to allow practitioners to fulfil their core function. However, it may also mean that dispensing opticians currently managing an optical outlet will have to reapply to become a speciality manager if they want to continue managing their optical outlet.
Speciality is the collective name given by Asda to its non-core, in-store operations; these currently include optical, pharmacy, jewellery and photographic outlets.
Asda's optical outlets have a dispensing optician, an optometrist and an optical retail manager. Louise Crawford, resourcing adviser at Asda, said in some stores the DO was also the speciality manager. People in that position would have to apply for the speciality manager post in their store as the changed management structure was rolled out.
Being a specialist practitioner and a manager was a difficult 'juggling' act, said Crawford. The changes would allow practitioners to concentrate on their profession but also provide new opportunities for those that wanted them.
Asda's tally of optical outlets reached 67 this week when it opened a branch in Aintree.
While the changes could reduce the need for locums, Claire Slade, professional services manager, said optometry positions were generally full-time posts.