At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance, risk, and compliance functions across the Group to ensure effective operations.
- Company: Join Bettys & Taylors, a family business with iconic Yorkshire brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, profit-sharing bonuses, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on governance and compliance in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years' experience in law or company secretarial roles, with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Join to apply for the Group Governance, Risk & Compliance Director role at Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate.
Location: Harrogate
Department: CEO Office
Reports to: Co-CEO (Purpose & Strategy)
About The Role
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for governance, risk, and compliance? We are seeking a Group Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Director to lead and integrate our legal, risk, governance, and compliance functions across the Group.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Group-wide legal services, risk management, governance, and compliance teams.
- Advise the Co-CEO and Board on governance, corporate documents, and through the line management of the Assistant Company Secretary, ensure effective support to Board and committee operations.
- Horizon scan for emerging legislation and regulations, engaging externally to inform best practice and proactive compliance.
- Ensure Group-wide adherence to statutory obligations and internal policy frameworks.
- Through the line management of the Group Head of Risk, oversee the design and embedding of our risk appetite, assurance, and management frameworks across the Group.
- Uphold Group values through ethical frameworks, education, and behavioural standards beyond legal requirements.
- Through the line management of the Group Legal Counsel, provide legal insight on litigation, employment, contracts, IP, international and environmental law to senior leadership.
- Oversee internal compliance policies, training, and awareness to protect the Group and clarify responsibilities.
- Oversee the management of the Group insurance portfolio, ensuring coverage for residual and emerging risks.
- Lead internal audit development, act as Chief Compliance Officer for data protection, chair the IT Security Board, and serve as the independent whistleblowing contact.
Team Structure
- Head of Risk (and associated team)
- Group General Counsel (plus 2 direct reports)
- Company Secretariat (plus 1 direct report)
- Sustainability Managers β Environmental & Social Impact
Key Relationships
- Co-CEO and Board (reporting to and collaborating with)
- CEO Office and Group Executive Team (collaborate, inform, and partner)
- External thought leaders in governance, risk, and compliance
About You
- 10+ yearsβ PQE with an established law firm, or equivalent in-house counsel or Company Secretarial experience.
- Qualified solicitor in England and Wales, trained with a reputable commercial firm or in-house legal team.
- Detailed knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to FMCG, retail (including online), and catering sectors.
- In-depth understanding of UK, EU, and international law.
- Awareness of market forces, politics, and economics as they relate to regulations.
- Demonstrable potential to influence strategy at Executive and Board level.
- Exceptional relationship building and influencing ability.
- Experience aligning legal and risk strategies with strategic objectives.
- Proven leadership of cross-functional teams and large-scale compliance programmes.
- Track record of advising leadership teams and leading governance initiatives.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Emotional intelligence and stakeholder management skills.
This is a demanding, full-time role, based at our main site at Plumpton Park in Harrogate, HG2 7LD. Weβd be happy to discuss flexible working, including hybrid working, and ideally this would include c. 3 days per week on site at Plumpton Park.
What We Offer You
As a minimum, all our employees receive free meals, drinks and snacks while at work, a discretionary quarterly profit-share bonus, holiday allowance with the option to buy and sell additional days, company-wide employee discounts, access to our health cash plan, wellbeing support, company funded counselling, and enrolment in the company pension. We also offer a range of development opportunities no matter your role and ambitions. We encourage everyone to explore what makes them the best version of themselves, and we do this through external training programmes, apprenticeships and internal 1:1 coaching schemes.
Great People, Great Culture
We are Bettys & Taylors Group. Our family business is home to three iconic Yorkshire brands β Yorkshire Tea, Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate. Together we share a passion for quality, service and by our purpose and our values, and we believe our people are what set us apart. We welcome applications from all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences and we are committed to offering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.
Applications
If you are ready to make a significant impact and help shape the future of our Group, we would love to hear from you. Questions should be directed in the first instance, to Anna Jaques, People Director.
The closing date for this vacancy is 5 pm, on Friday 9th January 2026. Screening will begin as soon as applications are received. To apply for this role, you will be required to submit a CV and cover letter via our Applicant Tracking System.
Group Governance, Risk & Compliance Director in Harrogate employer: Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate
Contact Detail:
Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Group Governance, Risk & Compliance Director in Harrogate
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the governance, risk, and compliance space. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends. Remember, itβs all about who you know!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bettys & Taylors thoroughly. Understand their values, culture, and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how youβve successfully managed compliance programmes in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows youβre genuinely interested in joining the team at Bettys & Taylors. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Governance, Risk & Compliance Director in Harrogate
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Group Governance, Risk & Compliance Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant legal qualifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about governance, risk, and compliance, and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at Bettys & Taylors.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your ability to influence strategy at an executive level. We want to see examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and managed compliance programmes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our Applicant Tracking System! Itβs the easiest way for us to review your materials and get back to you quickly. We canβt wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest laws and regulations relevant to the FMCG, retail, and catering sectors. Being able to discuss recent changes or emerging legislation will show that you're proactive and well-informed.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams or large-scale compliance programmes in the past. Highlight your ability to influence strategy at the Executive and Board level, as this is crucial for the role.
β¨Build Rapport
Since this role involves significant stakeholder management, practice your relationship-building skills. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with senior leadership and external thought leaders in governance, risk, and compliance.
β¨Communicate Clearly
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must. Prepare to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely during the interview. Consider practising common interview questions with a friend to refine your delivery.