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
o Upgrading our ERP system to Microsoft Navision Business Central
o Implementing loyalty solution across our UK and French managed pubs
o Rolling out sales and labour forecasting tools across UK and French managed businesses
o Creating a data lake to enhance Power BI analytics and reporting
o 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.
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