IT Director

Wells & Co.; Bedford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality business in Bedford is seeking an exceptional IT Director to lead its technology strategy and manage a talented IT team. The role involves overseeing various key projects, such as upgrading the ERP system and implementing AI solutions, ensuring robust IT operations and cybersecurity while fostering a high-performance culture. If you are a strategic thinker with significant experience in delivering complex IT projects, we want to hear from you.

Benefits

Salary up to £110,000

Car allowance

25 days annual leave

Private medical health care

Group personal pension plan

Life assurance

30% off dining and retail

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering complex IT projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and managing service delivery.
• Strong skills in data management and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire an IT team to foster a high-performance culture.
• Deliver major IT projects, including ERP upgrades and AI solutions.
• Manage budgets and ensure robust IT operations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Hands-on leadership

Excellent communication

Cybersecurity knowledge

Experience with Microsoft cloud technologies

Solution architecture

Network management

SaaS supplier management

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Certifications such as MCSA/MCSE

CCNA/CCNP

VMware VCP

ITIL

Tools

Microsoft Navision Business Central

Office365

Azure

Power BI

Data management tools

Job 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.

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:

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