IT Director - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire

Company Description

Wells & Co - a brewery, a growing managed pub portfolio, a well-established Pub Partner estate, English pubs in France and 150 years of history.

We are a forward-thinking, values-driven hospitality business with a proud heritage and a passion for innovation.

As we embark on a major digital transformation, we are seeking an exceptional IT Director to lead our technology strategy and delivery.

Based in Bedford, this is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping and executing our IT strategy, managing a talented team, and delivering a portfolio of high-impact projects. You’ll play a key part in driving operational excellence, business process improvement, and digital innovation across the group.

Position

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, and inspire the IT team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Oversee the successful delivery of major IT projects, including
  • Upgrading our ERP system to Microsoft Navision Business Central
  • Implementing loyalty solution across our UK and French managed pubs
  • Rolling out sales and labour forecasting tools across UK and French managed businesses
  • Creating a data lake to enhance Power BI analytics and reporting
  • Exploring and adopting AI solutions to drive business value
• Ensure robust IT operations, cyber security, and risk management.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, communicating complex ideas simply and effectively.
• Champion sustainability and responsible technology use in all IT decisions.
• Manage IT budgets, suppliers (including SaaS), and service delivery to ensure best value and minimal disruption to our pubs and managed houses.

Requirements

• A strategic thinker yet hands‑on leader, with a record of accomplishment of delivering complex IT projects in a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment (hospitality, retail, or similar sector)
• Experience with Microsoft cloud technologies (Office365, Azure), ERP (Navision/Business Central), data management, and cyber security.
• Strong knowledge of solution architecture, networks (Meraki, UniFi, FortiGate), and SaaS supplier management.
• Proven ability to drive change, innovate, and deliver measurable business improvements through technology.
• Excellent communicator, able to engage and influence at all levels, with resilience, energy, and a collaborative approach.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience, plus certifications such as MCSA/MCSE, CCNA/CCNP, VMware VCP, ITIL.

Other information

• To £110,000 – subject to exp
• Car allowance
• 25 days annual leave + b/h
• Private medical health care
• Group personal pension plan
• Life assurance
• 30% off dining and retail

If you are looking to develop your career within a Company who are led by family values whilst still striving to innovate, invest and progress, this may be the role for you. Apply now to join a business where your ideas and leadership will make a real difference.