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 share bonuses, and extensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Based in Harrogate with a commitment to personal growth and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a transformative period in a dual-business leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operations leadership within food & drink manufacturing.
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 York employer: Job Search Place Limited
Bettys & Taylors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and values-led work environment in Harrogate. Employees benefit from free meals, a profit share bonus, and extensive development opportunities, all while being part of a transformative journey within two renowned brands. With a strong emphasis on people, sustainability, and operational excellence, this role provides the chance to make a significant impact while fostering personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Operations Director in York
✨Leverage Your Network
Tap into your existing network in corporate circles—friends, former colleagues, or even acquaintances from industry events. A temporary role often isn't widely advertised, so having someone inside a company like Job Search Place Limited can give you the inside scoop or even a referral.
✨Stay Alert for Short-term Opportunities
Many corporate leadership roles are filled during peak business cycles or project launches. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements or staffing needs from companies like Job Search Place Limited; they might be looking for temporary support during busy times.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In temporary roles, adaptability is key. When you're chatting with potential employers, emphasise your ability to quickly adjust to new challenges and demands. Highlight specific instances where you've successfully managed change or stepped into new projects on short notice.
✨Join Corporate Management Forums
Get involved in online corporate management forums or local business groups. Networking in these spaces can help you discover temporary opportunities as well as gather insights about industry trends. Plus, being active in these communities can help you establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate when applying to places like Job Search Place Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Operations Director in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:For a role in corporate leadership management, it’s crucial to emphasise your past leadership experiences. Mention specific projects where you led teams or initiatives, detailing the outcomes and skills you developed. This shows that you understand what it takes to guide a team and deliver results.
Show Your Adaptability for Temporary Roles:Since this is a temporary position, employers will be looking for someone who can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in a temporary role at Job Search Place Limited and how your previous experience equips you to adapt quickly to new challenges.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications in project management, team leadership, or similar areas, definitely include them in your CV. These credentials can set you apart from other applicants, showing you’re not just qualified but also committed to your professional growth.
Tailor Your CV to the Company Culture:Take some time to research Job Search Place Limited's values and leadership style. Adjust your CV language and examples to reflect their culture, demonstrating that you're not only a good fit for the job itself but for the organisation as a whole. This adds a personal touch that can really make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Show Off Your Leadership Stories
For a temporary role in corporate leadership management, we want to hear your stories! Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams or projects successfully, particularly under tight deadlines or challenging situations. This isn't just about what you did, but how your actions positively impacted the team or the business.
✨Be Ready for Situational Questions
Expect situational interview questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think of common scenarios in corporate settings, like managing a conflict or implementing a new strategy, and practice articulating your thought process and outcomes. This will help show off your ability to navigate corporate complexities.
✨Talk Strategy, Not Just Tasks
In a temporary leadership role, understanding the bigger picture is crucial. Brush up on strategic management principles and be prepared to discuss how you can quickly adapt and contribute to the company's objectives. Consider how you would initiate change or drive efficiency within a limited time frame—this will show that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the temporary nature of this position, we need to see how adaptable you are! Think of examples where you've had to adjust your leadership style or approach based on team dynamics or company culture. We want to know how you can blend in quickly while still making an impact during a short-term engagement.
