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