At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team of 650 in a dynamic operations environment.
- Company: Join Bettys & Taylors, a values-led organisation focused on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, profit-sharing bonuses, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: This is an interim role based in Harrogate with significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations while driving performance and transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in food & drink manufacturing and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is a high-impact, senior leadership role with responsibility for large-scale operations spanning production, engineering, supply chain and quality across both businesses.
You will:
- Lead and inspire c.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
This is a visible and influential position with a critical role in both near-term performance and long-term strategic direction.
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:
We are seeking an experienced, credible Operations leader who brings both strategic perspective and hands-on delivery. You will bring:
- 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).
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.
Interim Operations Director in Harrogate employer: Gofractional
Bettys & Taylors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Harrogate where you can lead and inspire a diverse team of 650 colleagues. With a strong emphasis on values such as sustainability and craft, employees benefit from free meals, a profit-share bonus, and extensive development opportunities, ensuring both personal and professional growth during a period of exciting transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Operations Director in Harrogate
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Gofractional. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Gofractional.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Gofractional.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Operations Director in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Gofractional and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gofractional
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Gofractional will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Gofractional.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Gofractional.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Gofractional. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
