Group People Director in Harrogate

Group People Director in Harrogate

Harrogate Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic people initiatives and shape a values-driven culture.
  • Company: Join the iconic Bettys & Taylors Group, known for quality and service.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on organisational change and employee experience.
  • Qualifications: Extensive HR leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team committed to inclusivity and growth.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

We’re looking for a senior People leader who can bring strategic focus, sound judgement and future‑focussed insight to support our values‑led business as it continues to grow and adapt. If you’re motivated by shaping thoughtful organisational change, holding a strategic role with real influence, and leading a function to build an environment where people can do their best work, we’d like to hear from you.

As Group People Director, you will play a central role in shaping how we develop our culture, strengthen our leadership capability and build the organisational conditions we need for long‑term success. You’ll lead our Group People function, oversee Group‑wide approaches to workforce planning, talent, reward, organisational development, community and internal communications, and ensure our Purpose and values are reflected in the decisions we make and the way we operate.

You’ll act as a trusted partner to the Co‑CEO, to colleagues across the Group Executive Team, and to senior leaders across our businesses, helping bring clarity, consistency and alignment to how the Group supports, develops and engages its people. This role will be part of our newly created Group Executive Team, accountable to the Co‑CEO, which is responsible for the successful delivery of our Group goals.

Group Executive Team (GET) is accountable for:

  • Leadership of the day to day and near term running of the Group
  • Implementation and delivery of the Group strategies
  • Insight on how strategic plans are playing out in practice, influencing those closely connected with the development of strategies.

As a key member of GET, you will:

  • Shape a people strategy that brings our Purpose to life.
  • Design and drive Group‑wide approaches to workforce planning, talent, reward, organisational development and the employee experience — ensuring our culture continues to be values‑led, inclusive and high‑performing.
  • Champion culture, inclusion and the employee voice.
  • Represent People at Board level when needed, ensuring our decisions reflect the voices of colleagues across the organisation.
  • Embed relational values into our core processes, from governance to reward.
  • Build capability for the future.
  • Lead the development of skills, leadership and organisational capacity, helping us move confidently into the future with agile, distributed leadership models and forward‑looking workforce strategies.
  • Lead our People function.
  • Oversee the full breadth of our Group People function (including Group Communications, Community and Learning & Development) ensuring we engage colleagues effectively, live in to our Purpose and help position BTG as a brilliant place to work.
  • Partner at the highest strategic levels; you’ll influence decisions that shape the whole Group.

About You

You will bring:

  • Extensive senior People/HR leadership experience in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment
  • FCIPD (or equivalent)
  • Deep organisational development expertise
  • A track record of shaping values‑based cultures and delivering meaningful business change
  • Strong communication and influencing skills, able to engage at every level including Board
  • Experience leading cross‑organisational initiatives and navigating governance and risk frameworks
  • A forward‑looking, curious, and outward‑facing mindset
  • Emotional intelligence, warmth and the ability to build trusting relationships
  • The ability to lead teams both directly and through matrix structures.

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 (in some cases) 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.

This is a demanding, full‑time role, based at our main site at Plumpton Park in Harrogate, HG2 7LD. We’d be happy to discuss flexible working patterns, including hybrid working. If you would like to discuss flexibility options, please provide more details in your application.

We are Bettys & Taylors Group. Our family business is home to three iconic Yorkshire brands – Yorkshire Tea, Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate. Together we share a passion for quality, service and doing things properly. We are driven 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.

If you are ready to make a significant impact and help shape the future of our Group, we would love to hear from you. In the first instance, questions should be directed to Laura Lynch, People & Change Partner at Laura.Lynch@bettysandtaylors.co.uk. The closing date for this vacancy is Sunday 19th April 2026. To apply for this role, you will be required to submit a CV and cover letter via our Applicant Tracking System. Sifting will take place shortly after. There will be a minimum three‑stage recruitment process for this role. We plan that the first stage will take place on 24th and 29th April 2026, the second stage will take place on 21st May 2026 and the third stage on 1st June 2026. If you are unable to attend any of these dates, please state this in your application.

Group People Director in Harrogate employer: Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate

At Bettys & Taylors Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our people as the heart of our business. Located in the picturesque Harrogate, our work culture is rooted in inclusivity and support, offering extensive development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes free meals, wellbeing support, and a profit-share bonus. Join us to make a meaningful impact while thriving in a values-led environment that champions personal and professional growth.
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Contact Detail:

Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Group People Director in Harrogate

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Group Executive Team. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by understanding the company’s values and culture. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven organisational change.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills during the interview process. Be prepared to discuss how you've built teams and fostered inclusive environments, as this role is all about shaping a positive workplace culture.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Group People Director in Harrogate

Strategic Leadership
Organisational Development
Values-Based Culture Development
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Workforce Planning
Talent Management
Employee Experience Design
Cross-Organisational Initiative Leadership
Governance and Risk Navigation
Emotional Intelligence
Relationship Building
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Group People Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any strategic initiatives you've led that resonate with our values.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about shaping organisational change and how your vision aligns with our purpose. Be authentic and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your People Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build relationships and influence at all levels. We want to see examples of how you've engaged teams and fostered inclusive cultures in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t forget to mention any flexibility options you might need!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate

✨Know Your Values

Before the interview, take some time to really understand the company's values and how they align with your own. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous roles, especially in shaping organisational culture.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and implementing people strategies. Think about how you can articulate your approach to workforce planning and talent development, and be ready to share insights on how you've influenced change in a complex environment.

✨Engage with Emotional Intelligence

Demonstrate your emotional intelligence during the interview by actively listening and responding thoughtfully. Share examples of how you've built trusting relationships and engaged with diverse teams, as this will resonate well with their focus on inclusion and collaboration.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare a few thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company’s future. Inquire about their current challenges in people management or how they envision the Group People function evolving, which will highlight your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their success.

Group People Director in Harrogate
Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate
Location: Harrogate

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