IT Director

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

Job summary

A leading hospitality business is seeking an IT Director in Bedford to lead the technology strategy and delivery. You will oversee major IT projects, ensuring robust operations and managing a talented team. Requirements include hands-on leadership experience, familiarity with Microsoft cloud technologies, and a track record in delivering complex projects. The role offers a competitive salary of up to £110,000, car allowance, and additional benefits such as private medical care and generous leave.

Benefits

Car allowance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private medical health care

Group personal pension plan

Life assurance

30% off dining and retail

Qualifications

• Record of delivering complex IT projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Microsoft cloud technologies and ERP systems.
• Proven ability to drive change and deliver business improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the IT team to foster a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the delivery of major IT projects and ensure robust operations.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and manage IT budgets.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

IT project delivery

Microsoft cloud technologies

Solution architecture

Cyber security

Excellent communication

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Certifications like MCSA/MCSE, CCNA/CCNP, VMware VCP, ITIL

Tools

Microsoft Navision Business Central

Office365

Azure

SaaS management tools

Power BI

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.

Position:

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.