At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse team to ensure quality operations at Taylors of Harrogate.
- Company: Join a beloved Yorkshire family business with a passion for quality and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, profit-sharing bonuses, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on operations and be part of an iconic brand's evolution.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading large teams and knowledge of operational efficiency techniques.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Lead with Purpose. Making Proper Brews Together. At Taylors of Harrogate, everything is done proper. We’re looking for an inspiring and motivating Operations Leader to take on the role of Head of Operations—an newly created pivotal position leading and coaching a team of over 300 people, helping to shape the future of our operations in line with our long‑term ambitions.
About the Role
Reporting into the Operations Director, you’ll be responsible for the Operational (Engineering and Manufacturing) leadership of Taylors of Harrogate Starbeck Factory, ensuring delivery of “proper brews” through our Operating Model (IWS) with safety first and quality always. Ensuring advancements in our values‑based culture. Through visible, servant leadership you’ll coach and support your direct and indirect reports, empower others, and drive change through collaboration, continuous improvement, and cross‑functional teamwork. This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Yorkshire and the UK’s most iconic brands through the next chapter of its operational evolution and exiting and ambitious growth agenda.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure legal and regulatory requirements for health and safety and food safety are fulfilled, monitored and improved within operations.
- Provide effective team leadership, clear thinking and direction for Taylors operations, in line with the strategic ambition of the business.
- Through visible, impactful servant leadership, motivate, inspire, coach and lead Operational teams.
- Work with the Operations Director to develop and translate the strategic direction and vision into tangible plans, budgets, targets and actions.
- Ensure plans are in place to reduce operational “losses”, through the TOMTOM (IWS) Operating Model through your role as Leadership Pillar Lead.
- Work effectively with cross‑functional peers, lead the Operational teams to reduce complexity and improve efficiency of operations, with Safety First and Quality Always.
- Challenge the status quo and embed a culture of operational efficiency, CI and process improvement across all areas of operations, through the Operating Model.
- Engage positively and effectively as a cross‑functional peer to enable delivery of operations objectives and those of the whole business.
- Ensure training, learning, development and succession plans are in place to build capacity and capability within your operational areas of responsibility.
- Act as a role model of the Bettys & Taylors Group values and expectations framework.
- Monitor and ensure delivery of KPIs for operations.
- Sponsor and lead projects on behalf of operations and the wider business.
What We’re Looking For
- Knowledge and working experience leading, coaching and motivating large, diverse teams of people across multiple shifts within an FMCG business, across production and engineering disciplines.
- Understanding and working knowledge of Operating Models (ideally using an Integrated Work System), continuous improvement and process improvement techniques.
- Commercial understanding, ability to understand a P&L and operational levers, with the ability to analyse and diagnose data.
- Track record of working as part of and leading a “senior leadership team”, combining operational understanding and strategic thinking.
- Ability to build strong, effective and open relationships with employees at all levels and in other functions, developing high trust and confidence.
- Experience of delivering change projects in an operational environment.
- Clear, impactful and influential communication skills with the ability to coach solutions through others.
- Ability to identify and prioritise business needs and areas of focus.
Why Join Taylors?
At Taylors, we do things a little differently, how we care for our people, care for our sourcing and products all with a passion for progress. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—on our people, our operations, and our future. We offer a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and the chance to be part of a much‑loved Yorkshire Family business.
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 (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.
Great People, Great Culture
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.
There will be a two‑stage recruitment process for this role, we plan that the first stage will take place in July 2026. The closing date for this vacancy is 23rd June 2026.
Head of Operations in Harrogate employer: Bettys & Taylors
At Taylors of Harrogate, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where our employees can thrive. With competitive benefits such as free meals, a profit-share bonus, and extensive development opportunities, we empower our team to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to the legacy of one of Yorkshire's most beloved brands. Join us in shaping the future of our operations and making a meaningful impact in a culture that values quality, service, and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Harrogate
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Bettys & Taylors, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Bettys & Taylors specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bettys & Taylors
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Bettys & Taylors, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Bettys & Taylors value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
