At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for our pub partners, driving strategy and performance across the Northern Home Counties.
- Company: Wells & Co, a family-owned pub company celebrating 150 years of success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, company car allowance, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the vibrant pub industry.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, strategic mindset, and a genuine passion for pubs.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
Wells & Co - a family owned pub company built on strong values, long‑term thinking, and a genuine passion for great pubs. Proud to celebrate our 150th Birthday this year, our success is driven by the strength of our partnerships and the people behind each pub. We believe in empowering independent operators while providing the support, expertise, and investment they need to thrive.
As Director of Pub Partners Operations, you will lead the strategy, performance, and development of our leased and tenanted pubs across the Northern Home Counties. You will ensure our pub partners are set up for long‑term success while delivering sustainable growth across the estate. Managing a team of four Regional Development Managers, this is a pivotal senior role where commercial acumen meets relationship‑led leadership. The ideal candidate will live within commutable distance to our Bedford home, Brewpoint.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute the overall Pub Partners strategy aligned with our company goals
- Motivate, coach, and develop the team to achieve sustainable profit growth and operational excellence
- Build strong, trust‑based relationships with pub partners across the entire estate
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and development of new pub partners
- Support Learning & Development to deliver high quality, income‑driving training for pub partners
- Improve operational efficiency by having a detailed understanding of all available data, using this to make informed decisions
- Collaborate and support across business functions to ensure that our partners have access to the right product at the right time, ensuring profitability for Wells & Co
- Work with the commercial team to develop and implement clear and concise pricing strategies that support and promote profit and volume growth on wet sales
- Ensure all pubs operate safely, legally, and sustainably by driving environmental compliance, health & safety standards, staff training, and initiatives to reduce energy use and carbon footprint
- Collaborate with marketing, property, and finance teams to maximise pub potential
- A genuine passion for the pub industry – you enjoy being in sites and making it a part of your lifestyle!
- Strategic, commercially driven, and enthusiastic leader who aligns teams to achieve and exceed goals
- Strong negotiator with credibility, gravitas, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Highly partner‑focused, with emotional intelligence, empathy, and excellent listening skills
- Flexible thinker, balancing operational detail with long‑term strategic planning
- Innovative, resilient, and adaptable, able to lead through change and inspire teams to raise standards
- Excellent communicator with a passion about people development and coaching
- Values‑led, with a genuine appreciation for community pubs and their role
- Competitive salary and performance‑based bonus
- Company car allowance
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Private healthcare and pension scheme
- Life assurance
- 30% off dining and retail
Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire employer: Wells & Co
Contact Detail:
Wells & Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the pub industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for pubs! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your love for the industry shine through. Share your experiences and ideas on how to improve operations or enhance customer experiences – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand what makes Wells & Co tick and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pubs: Make sure to highlight your genuine love for the pub industry in your application. We want to see how your lifestyle aligns with our values and how you can bring that passion to the role!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Take the time to tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Director of Operations role. We appreciate when candidates show they’ve done their homework.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We’re looking for strong communicators, so make sure your writing reflects that. Use bullet points if it helps to get your message across!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Wells & Co family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wells & Co
✨Know Your Pubs
Before the interview, dive deep into Wells & Co.'s history and values. Understand their approach to empowering pub partners and how they celebrate their 150th birthday. This will show your genuine passion for the pub industry and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you've motivated teams in the past. Prepare examples of how you've developed talent and driven operational excellence, as this role is all about leading a team of Regional Development Managers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of the pub industry’s financial metrics. Be prepared to discuss strategies you've implemented that led to profit growth and operational efficiency. This will highlight your strategic thinking and ability to make informed decisions based on data.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves building strong, trust-based relationships with pub partners, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders. Highlight your emotional intelligence and listening skills, as these are crucial for influencing and negotiating effectively.