At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams across operations in a dynamic, evolving environment.
- Company: Join a family-owned Yorkshire business known for quality and integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, profit-sharing bonuses, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact during a significant period of change and growth.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in food & drink manufacturing and strong operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Bettys & Taylors Group is an independent, family‑owned Yorkshire business with a long‑term reputation for quality, craft and integrity. Home to Bettys Café Tea Rooms and Taylors of Harrogate, we employ around 1,600 people and continue to grow a highly respected, values‑led business.
This is a high‑impact, senior leadership role with responsibility for large‑scale operations spanning production, engineering, supply chain and quality across both businesses. It is an interim assignment with an anticipated duration of 12 months.
You will:
- Lead and inspire approximately 650 colleagues across complex operational environments
- Drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost and engagement
- Provide calm, steady leadership during a period of significant change and investment
- Shape and deliver key operational strategies, including:
- Taylors Operating Model (TOMTOM)
- Bakery Excellence Model (BEM)
- Partner closely with both Managing Directors as a member of two leadership teams
- Lead capital programmes, continuous improvement and future operational planning
Why this role is different:
- Dual‑business leadership – operate at scale across two complementary, high‑performing brands
- Transformation context – lead through ongoing investment, growth and organisational evolution
- Values‑led organisation – strong emphasis on people, craft, sustainability and long‑term thinking
- Real influence – shape the future of operations and help define the longer‑term structure of the role
What We’re Looking For:
- Significant senior leadership experience in food & drink manufacturing (ideally premium or quality‑led environments)
- A track record of leading large, complex or multi‑site operations
- Strong capability in operational excellence, supply chain and continuous improvement
- Experience operating at Executive / Operating Board level
- A values‑led leadership style with the ability to coach, inspire and build high‑performing teams
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills
Location & Commitment:
- Based in Harrogate (North Yorkshire)
- Expected to be on site circa 4 days per week
- Interim assignment (c. 12 months anticipated as part of ongoing organisational evolution)
Join us:
- Lead operations across two highly regarded brands
- Work at the heart of a purpose‑driven, independent business
- Make a meaningful impact during a significant period of change
What we offer:
As a minimum, all 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. External training programmes, apprenticeships and internal 1:1 coaching schemes are available.
Inclusive Culture:
We welcome applications from all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and we are committed to offering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.
Operations Director - Bettys & Taylors (interim) in Harrogate employer: Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate
Bettys & Taylors Group is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to quality and integrity, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in the heart of Harrogate. Employees benefit from free meals, a profit-share bonus, and extensive development opportunities, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of two esteemed brands during a transformative period. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a values-led organisation that prioritises people and sustainability.
Contact Details:
Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Bettys & Taylors (interim) in Harrogate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food and drink industry, especially those who have experience with operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bettys & Taylors thoroughly. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you align your leadership style with their culture and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples of how you've driven performance and led teams through change. Use metrics to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Bettys & Taylors.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Bettys & Taylors (interim) in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in food & drink manufacturing and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive performance and lead teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with ours. Share specific examples of how you've led through change and made an impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see your values-led leadership style in action. In your application, mention how you inspire and coach teams, and provide examples of how you've built high-performing teams in complex operational environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Bettys & Taylors' history, values, and their commitment to quality and craft. Understanding their dual-brand approach will help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led large teams or complex operations. Highlight your experience in food & drink manufacturing and how you've driven performance in safety, quality, and engagement.
✨Emphasise Your Change Management Skills
Given the transformation context of this role, be ready to discuss how you've navigated significant changes in previous positions. Share strategies you've implemented to maintain team morale and operational excellence during transitions.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your exceptional stakeholder management skills by preparing to discuss how you've influenced key decisions at an executive level. Think about how you can build relationships with both Managing Directors and inspire your colleagues across the two brands.
