Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire
Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire

Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire

Full-Time 75000 - 90000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 love 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
Requirements
  • 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
Other information
  • 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

Wells & Co. is an exceptional employer that champions a values-driven culture, celebrating 150 years of success in the pub industry. With a strong focus on empowering independent operators, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits including private healthcare and a pension scheme, and a commitment to employee development through coaching and training. Our Bedford location fosters a collaborative environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community.
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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 your dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Show up at local pubs and chat with the staff and management. This not only gives you insight into the operations but also helps you build relationships that could lead to job opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for the pub industry!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around empowering pub partners and driving sustainable growth. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!

✨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 are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire

Strategic Planning
Commercial Acumen
Team Leadership
Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Operational Efficiency
Data Analysis
Training and Development
Health and Safety Compliance
Flexibility and Adaptability
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Innovative Thinking

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 you connect with the culture and values of Wells & Co, so share any personal experiences that showcase your enthusiasm!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Take the time to tailor your application to the Director of Operations role. We’re looking for specific examples of your strategic thinking and leadership skills that align with our goals.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and how it relates to the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit!

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 serious about joining our team at Wells & Co!

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.

Director of Operations - L&T - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire
Wells & Co

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