Operations Director – Bettys & Taylors (interim)
Location: Harrogate (on site)
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 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:
o Taylors Operating Model (TOMTOM)
o 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.
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