Operations Director

Bettys & Taylors; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals at work

Discretionary quarterly profit-share

Company pension

Job summary

Bettys & Taylors Group in Harrogate seeks an experienced Operations Director to lead Taylors Operations, delivering sustainable performance while building capable systems and infrastructure for the future.

The role combines site leadership of manufacturing and warehousing with an enterprise-wide remit to standardise operations, drive continuous improvement, and align resources with Group direction across Taylors and the broader Group.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in food and drink manufacturing operations and related processes.
• Senior leadership at operating board or equivalent level.
• Ability to balance long-term strategy with day-to-day delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead Taylors Operations and contribute to group leadership across the Taylors business.
• Develop and implement common operational standards, ways of working and infrastructure.
• Drive continuous improvement, capability, and investment aligned with group direction.

Skills

Food & drink manufacturing

Senior leadership

Change management

Strategic thinking

Coaching & development

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead Taylors Operations, delivering sustainable business performance while building the capability, systems and infrastructure needed for the future.

Alongside leadership of Taylors manufacturing and warehousing operations, the role has an important Group-wide remit, helping to develop common operational standards, ways of working and infrastructure that support consistency, compliance, continuous improvement and long-term business success.

The Role

This is a high-impact senior leadership role, responsible for leading Taylors Operations and contributing to the collective leadership of Taylors, while bringing an enterprise-wide perspective to decisions that shape the wider Group. Please see the role profile attached for more detail.

Why this role is different

• Significant operational leadership - lead a complex manufacturing and warehousing operation with around 470 colleagues.
• Collective business leadership - play a key role in TLT, with shared accountability for translating Group direction into sustainable Taylors performance.
• Enterprise-wide influence - help align priorities, resources, capability, investment and operational standards across Taylors and the wider Group.
• Values-led organisation - join an independent family business with a long-term perspective and a strong emphasis on people, quality and doing things properly.

What we're looking for

We are looking for an experienced and credible Operations leader who can combine strategic perspective with strong operational delivery and contribute effectively to collective business leadership.

• Significant experience of food and drink manufacturing operations and associated processes and systems, ideally within premium or quality-led environments.
• Senior leadership experience at Operating Board or equivalent level, leading through complexity and change.
• The ability to balance long-term strategic priorities with day-to-day operational delivery and maintain a business-wide perspective.
• Strong coaching skills, with a track record of developing people, teams and organisational capability.
• Experience of leading and influencing through direct and matrix structures, building effective relationships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, applying sound judgement in complex situations.
• Effective decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, competing priorities and operational challenges.
• Excellent communication, engagement and influencing skills across a diverse range of stakeholders.

Location & Commitment

• Based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
• Expected to be on site circa 4 days per week.
• Permanent role.

Join us

• Lead a significant and complex operational function within Taylors of Harrogate.
• Help shape both Taylors performance and wider Group operational capability.
• Work at the heart of a purpose-driven, independent family business.
• Make a meaningful impact during an important period of change and investment.

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, whatever your role or ambitions. We encourage everyone to explore what makes them the best version of themselves, supported 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, delighting customers, and doing things properly. We are driven by our purpose and values, and we know our talented people set us apart. That’s where you come in.

We are committed to offering a welcoming, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and welcome applications from all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Don’t worry if you do not meet 100% of the job requirements listed above – if you fulfil most of the skills and experiences we're looking for, please apply as we would love to hear from you.

Application & Interview Process

Any queries about the role should be directed to Jo Cowling, People Director, at [e-mail].

Recruitment window: Potential telephone interviews 2/3 Nov, second stage assessment day 9th Nov / 10th Nov

Closing: 28 October 2026