Head of Audiology

Closing Date 2025/12/03

Reference Number KFM

Job Title Head of Audiology

Job Type Permanent

Business Unit Spec-Savers South Africa

Department Audiology

Number of Positions 1

Location - Town / City Port Elizabeth

Location - Province Eastern Cape

Location - Country South Africa

Minimum Education Level Diploma | Advanced Certificate

Job Category Retail

Job Advert Summary

The
Head of Audiology
is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, growth, and operational performance of the Audiology business within the Group. This includes overseeing franchise development, clinical and business training, product and supplier management, compliance, and integration with optometry operations. The role ensures the Audiology division contributes to the Group's purpose of transforming lives through exceptional and affordable care, while driving sustainable business growth and profitability.

At our company, we live by our ICARE values:
Innovation
,
Collaboration
,
Accountability
,
Respect
, and
Empathy
. We believe in fostering creativity and developing forward-thinking solutions to drive excellence. Our collaborative approach brings together diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals, while accountability ensures that we take ownership of our actions to build trust and credibility. We hold respect at the core of our interactions, valuing each individual's contributions and treating everyone with dignity. Lastly, empathy guides us to understand and support others, creating a compassionate and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

EE candidates will be given preference in line with the company's employment equity objectives

Minimum Requirements

• Qualification in Audiometry / Audiology (HPCSA registered).
• Minimum 8–10 years' experience in Audiology, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Experience in franchising, healthcare retail, or multi-site operations preferred.
• Proven ability to lead business growth, manage supplier relationships, and develop clinical programs.
• Willingness to travel extensively across South Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic & Business Leadership

• Lead and manage the entire Audiology business nationally
• Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and quarterly business reports
• Drive strategic initiatives to expand the Audiology store footprint and improve business performance
• Ensure alignment of Audiology business goals with the broader Group strategy

Franchise Development & Recruitment

• Lead recruitment and selection of new audiologists to join the franchise network
• Conduct initial interviews, screening, NDA, and model discussions (including presentations)
• Manage the full onboarding journey from interview through franchise acceptance, site preparation, training, and go-live.
• Meet with optometrists to explain the audiology model and promote integration
• Evaluate and approve new sites or refurbishments for Audiology inclusion, ensuring commercial and operational viability.
• Verify lease agreements to confirm audiology inclusion and turnover clauses
• Facilitate meetings between optometry and audiology teams to establish a collaborative approach before store opening
• Oversee the team responsible for pre-opening training of audiologists, optometrists, and frontliners using standardized checklists
• Support the sale or transfer of audiology stores by assisting with franchisee approvals, training, and setup processes

Equipment, Systems & Supplier Management

• Liaise with Synergy Medical for the supply, calibration, and maintenance of audiology equipment
• Hold monthly meetings with Synergy Medical and Audit data to review performance and resolve issues

• Collaborate with the IT Department on system developments for Audiology including:

• Calico Cloud functionality and integrations.

• Yellow Zebra Optical processes for Audiology stock and distribution

• Negotiate supplier pricing, manage product selection and development

• Approve new products, pricing ladders, and ensure accurate loading on systems and master price lists
• Manage merchandising for accessory stands (product mix, pricing, and packaging)

Training & Development

• Oversee the Graduate Program for Audiology:

• Participate in interviewing graduates

• Approve program content and speaker scheduling

• Support the Head Office Clinical Audiologist in delivering program content

• Oversee all Franchisee and Store Training, ensuring content accuracy and consistency:

• Monthly store training sessions

• Monthly franchisee meetings and training
• WSA training and ad hoc development sessions

Compliance & Clinical Governance

• Ensure all Franchisees remain compliant with:

• CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements

• HPCSA registration and professional standards

• Oversee Clinical Audits performed by the Head Office Clinical Audiologist and ensure timely follow-up on action items

Relationship & Performance Management

• Manage relationships between Audiology and Optometry divisions to ensure cohesive teamwork and mutual success
• Collaborate with the National and Regional Area Managers to monitor Audiology performance and identify development needs
• Manage communication to stores via memos and business updates
• Address underperforming stores (NPS and profitability), supporting corrective action and turnaround strategies
• Monitor franchisee gross profit margins to ensure sustainable profitability

Marketing, Sales & Customer Retention

• Partner with the Marketing Department on Audiology campaigns, including:

• World Hearing Day and regional marketing strategies

• Develop tools and initiatives to drive sales (e.g., demos, screening functionalities, Audioplan enhancements)

• Oversee CRM and patient recall strategies, ensuring annual and individualized recall processes are optimized

Tariff & Pricing Management

• Update annual tariff codes and liaise with medical aids for approval
• Coordinate updates with the IT team to ensure system accuracy and timely implementation

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a small Head Office Audiology team (3 direct reports)
• Conduct performance reviews, set KPIs, and manage salary reviews, bonuses, and career growth
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement