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- Tasks: Lead strategy and development for our pub partners, ensuring their long-term success.
- Company: Wells & Co., a family-owned pub company celebrating 150 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, company car allowance, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the pub industry.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, strategic mindset, and a genuine love for pubs.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on community and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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 be celebrating 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, based 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 and Co
- Working 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 + b/h
- Private healthcare and pension scheme
- Life assurance
- 30% off dining and retail
Director of Operations - Pub Partners - 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 - Pub Partners - 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, share your love for the industry. Talk about your experiences and what makes you excited about working in this field. It’ll help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand Wells & Co.'s mission and how they support their pub partners. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals, especially around operational excellence and team development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows initiative and gives us a better chance to connect with you. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations - Pub Partners - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your love for the pub industry shine through in your application. We want to see how you connect with the values of Wells & Co. and why you’re excited about this role.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the job description. We’re looking for strategic thinkers and strong leaders, so showcase your achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Use it to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Director of Operations role. Keep it engaging and personal!
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 this exciting opportunity 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 knowledge will show your genuine passion for the pub industry and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for Director of Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to build trust-based relationships and how you've successfully led teams through change.
✨Be Data-Driven
Wells & Co. values operational efficiency backed by data. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how your analytical skills have led to sustainable profit growth and operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you might face in managing pub partners and how you would address them. This will showcase your flexibility and innovative mindset, which are key for this role.