Director of Operations

Business Unit Lead - Operations DirectorGermany - Remote/Hybrid Are you an energetic, focused, and motivated leader with a rigorous, decisive approach to execution and a passion for customer success? Do you thrive in dynamic, high-growth environments where you can make a significant impact across multiple operational functions? Are you passionate about driving and promoting local culture whilst operating within a global corporate culture? If so, this is your opportunity to lead and shape the operational landscape of a rapidly evolving global software company! We're a fast-growing software company revolutionising the manufacturing sector with our cutting-edge AI and SaaS solutions. We're looking for a highly capable Operations Director to take ownership of our local operations in Germany, acting as a crucial bridge between local customer engagement and our broader European management team. This isn't just a Professional Services role; it's a chance to drive operational excellence across a wider remit, directly influencing customer retention and overall business performance. What Sets This Opportunity Apart: Broad Operational Scope: You'll oversee more than just Professional Services. Your remit will ideally include Support, Customer Success, and Service Account Management, providing a truly holistic operational leadership role.Customer & Employee Centricity: We're seeking someone deeply passionate about both our customers and our employees, someone who can execute local operations with cultural nuance while representing Germany on a European-wide management team.Direct Impact on Business Growth: Your focus will be firmly on customer retention for both ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) and PS (Professional Services) revenues, directly contributing to our profitability and investor KPIs.Autonomy and Enablement Mindset: We empower our leaders. We're looking for someone who is proactive, takes initiative, and is comfortable making decisions and course-correcting as needed. In This Pivotal Role, You Will: Lead Local Operations: Own and optimise operational processes across Professional Services, Support, and Customer Success to ensure seamless delivery and exceptional customer experience.Drive Customer Retention: Implement strategies to maximise customer loyalty and satisfaction, directly impacting recurring revenue streams.Manage Commercials: Confidently engage in customer negotiations, including uplifts, project changes, and supporting Account Managers with sales opportunities.Oversee Project Delivery: While not solely a PS role, you'll need a strong Professional Services acumen and a proven track record in managing delivery, aligning it with client needs, and overseeing projects in the €200k - €500k range.Mentor and Develop Teams: Lead and inspire high-performing teams across multiple products.Contribute to European Strategy: Represent Germany on the European management team, aligning local operations with corporate KPIs. We're Looking For Individuals Who Are: Experienced Operational Leaders: 5+ years at Director level within a software vendor, ideally with a background combining Operations and Professional Services.Customer-Obsessed: You understand the wider customer remit, adopting both an operational and an account management style.Commercially Savvy: Comfortable with complex customer negotiations and driving revenue.Proactive & Results-Orientated: Someone who "asks for forgiveness rather than permission" – you're a doer who gets things done.Adaptable: While experience with Business Central/ERP is a plus, we are open to any software operations professional. Experience with Certinia / Salesforce would also be beneficial but not essential.From a Vendor Background: You must have worked for a software vendor previously.P&L experience is desirable but not essential. Qualifications: Proven track record in managing and scaling operational teams within a software company.Strong understanding of customer retention strategies in a SaaS environment.Demonstrable experience in customer negotiation and commercial discussions.Experience with project delivery, ideally overseeing projects in the €200k - €500k range.Ability to work effectively in a fully remote environment within Germany, with willingness to travel as required.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Ready for what’s next, now? We are! Aptean is evolving. Our bespoke ERP solutions are transforming a vast range of global businesses, from food producers to manufacturers. In a world of generic enterprise software, we provide targeted solutions that bring together the best technology and drive superior results. With over 4,000 employees, 50 different products, and a global client base, there’s no better time to advance your career at Aptean.