Operations director - bettys & taylors (interim)

Operations Director- Bettys & Taylors (interim)

Bettys & Taylors Group - Harrogate (on site)

A rare opportunity to lead operations across two iconic British brands.

Bettys & Taylors Group is an independent, family owned Yorkshire business with a long standing 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.

We are now seeking an Interim Operations Director to lead our operational functions across both Bettys Craft Bakery and Taylors manufacturing and warehousing operations, at a pivotal period of transformation and investment.

The Role

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 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 (TOM)
• 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).

Join us

This is a rare opportunity to:

• 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 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 enrollment 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.