Group Governance, Risk & Compliance Director

Bettys & Taylors Group; Harrogate; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned food and beverage company in the UK is seeking a Group Governance, Risk & Compliance Director. In this pivotal role, you will lead legal, risk, governance, and compliance functions, advise the Co-CEO and Board, and drive frameworks that protect long-term ambitions. Your extensive legal experience will support the Group's adherence to regulations and foster an inclusive workplace, ensuring that all voices thrive. Hybrid working options available.

Benefits

Free meals, drinks and snacks

Discretionary quarterly profit-share bonus

Holiday allowance with options to buy/sell days

Company-wide employee discounts

Access to health cash plan

Wellbeing support

Company-funded counselling

Enrolment in company pension

Development opportunities

External training and internal coaching

Qualifications

• Significant experience influencing strategy at Executive and Board level.
• Proven track record in governance, legal and risk strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Group-wide legal services and compliance teams.
• Advise on governance and corporate documents.
• Oversee adherence to statutory obligations.

Skills

Governance

Risk Management

Compliance

Legal Insight

Stakeholder Management

Team Leadership

Relationship Building

Communication Skills

Education

Qualified solicitor in England and Wales

10+ years' PQE with law firm or in-house

Job description

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for governance, risk, and compliance? We are seeking a Group Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Director to lead and integrate our legal, risk, governance, and compliance functions across the Group. This is a pivotal new role, providing expert counsel to the Co-CEO and Board, driving proactive frameworks, and embedding robust governance practices that protect and enable our long‑term ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Group-wide legal services, risk management, governance, and compliance teams.
• Advise the Co‑CEO and Board on governance, corporate documents, and through the line management of the Assistant Company Secretary, ensure effective support to Board and committee operations.
• Horizon scan for emerging legislation and regulations, engaging externally to inform best practice and proactive compliance.
• Ensure Group-wide adherence to statutory obligations and internal policy frameworks.
• Through the line management of the Group Head of Risk, oversee the design and embedding of our risk appetite, assurance, and management frameworks across the Group.
• Uphold Group values through ethical frameworks, education, and behavioural standards beyond legal requirements.
• Through the line management of the Group Legal Counsel, provide legal insight on litigation, employment, contracts, IP, international and environmental law to senior leadership.
• Oversee internal compliance policies, training and awareness to protect the Group and clarify responsibilities.
• Oversee the management of the Group insurance portfolio, ensuring coverage for residual and emerging risks.
• Lead internal audit development, act as Chief Compliance Officer for data protection, chair the IT Security Board, and serve as the independent whistleblowing contact.

Team Structure

• Head of Risk (and associated team)
• Group General Counsel (plus 2 direct reports)
• Company Secretariat (plus 1 direct report)
• Sustainability Manager – Environmental Impact (for environmental compliance matters)

Key Relationships

• Co‑CEO and Board (reporting to and collaborating with)
• CEO Office and Group Executive Team (collaborate, inform and partner)
• External thought leaders in governance, risk and compliance

Qualifications

• 10+ years' PQE with an established law firm or equivalent in‑house counsel or Company Secretarial experience.
• Qualified solicitor in England and Wales, trained with a reputable commercial firm or in‑house legal team.
• Detailed knowledge of laws and regulations relevant to FMCG, retail (including online) and catering sectors.
• In‑depth understanding of UK, EU and international law.
• Awareness of market forces, politics and economics as they relate to changing laws and regulations.
• Demonstrable potential to influence strategy at Executive and Board level.
• Exceptional relationship‑building and influencing ability.
• Experience aligning legal and risk strategies with strategic objectives.
• Proven leadership of cross‑functional teams and large‑scale compliance programmes.
• Track record of advising leadership teams and leading governance initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Emotional intelligence and stakeholder management skills.

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.

This is a demanding, full‑time role, based at our main site at Plumpton Park in Harrogate, HG2 7LD. We'd be happy to discuss flexible working patterns, including hybrid working, and ideally this would include c.3 days per week on site at Plumpton Park. If you would like to discuss flexibility options, please provide more details in your application.

Benefits

• Free meals, drinks and snacks while at work
• Discretionary quarterly profit‑share bonus
• Holiday allowance with option to buy/sell additional days
• Company‑wide employee discounts
• Access to health cash plan
• Wellbeing support
• Company‑funded counselling
• Enrolment in company pension
• Range of development opportunities
• External training programmes, apprenticeships and internal 1:1 coaching schemes