Managing Director – EdTech SaaS

Posted by Ben Watkins
April 2024

  • Private Equity Backed SaaS Firm
  • Market Leading Position
  • Education sector
  • UK Leadership
  • Extensive International Client Base
  • EdTech
  • Schools
  • General management
  • Growth
  • International Expansion
  • North UK HQ

The Opportunity

 A leading US Headquartered SaaS company operating predominantly in the Education sector with further focus in the Clubs and Charities sectors.

Their solutions provide tremendous value to student and the Education Sector by automating manual processes and this has led to an extensive and loyal client base in the UK and internationally.

As the Managing Director, you will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic direction and operational excellence of the company in the UK. Reporting directly to the CEO based in the USA, you will hold shared responsibility for all functions within the UK business in partnership with executive functional leadership based in the US, ensuring alignment with company objectives and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth. 

The role is expected to evolve over time since the parent company is very acquisitive and this will likely lead to an ever growing and developing business in the UK and globally.

The Role

Strategic Leadership

  • Collaborate with the CEO and other members of the Senior Management Team to define and execute the company’s strategic vision, goals and objectives
  • Be the face of the UK business with clients, partners, local community and even at government level.
  • Be the go-to leader for local employees and US colleagues
  • Lead the development and implementation of business plans, ensuring alignment with market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape
  • Identify growth opportunities, new market segments, and strategic partnerships to expand the company’s footprint in the Education, Clubs and Charities sectors

Sales Growth

  • Support sales team with large transactions, recruiting and executive leadership
  • Identify new categories of sales opportunities (e.g., new vertical markets)
  • Strengthen business development GTM partnerships
  • Identify possible acquisition opportunities
  • Drive international expansion within English speaking countries
  • Mentor Sales Manager and other Sales professionals

Operational Management

  • Oversee all operational aspects of the business, including product development, sales and marketing, customer success, finance and human resources
  • Partner with members of the SMT to establish and monitor KPIs to track progress towards operational efficiency, revenue targets and customer satisfaction goals
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes, optimise resource allocation, and enhance overall business performance

Team Leadership and Development

  • Provide strong leadership and mentorship to a cross-functional team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration
  • Develop and empower team members, promoting professional growth and skill development to maximise individual and collective potential
  • Cultivate a diverse and inclusive work environment that values creativity, integrity, and mutual respect whilst championing company culture

Customer Focus

  • Champion a customer-centric approach across the organisation, prioritising customer feedback and insights to drive product innovation and service excellence
  • Build and maintain strong relationships and long-term partnerships with key clients, understanding their evolving needs and ensuring those needs are met by the  product roadmap
  • Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and retention through proactive engagement, effective problem-solving and timely resolution of issues

Financial Management

  • Work closely with the finance team to ensure budgets, forecasts, and financial models support strategic objectives
  • Monitor revenue streams, profitability, and cost structures, implementing initiatives to optimise financial performance and achieve revenue growth targets
  • Drive initiatives to enhance pricing and packaging strategies maintaining a focus on delivering value to customers
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The Person

  • Proven track record of leadership success in a similar role within the SaaS industry, preferably in the EdTech sector
  • Experience of working within a US PE-backed environment would be highly desirable
  • Either located in the North of the UK or happy to spend 3 + days a week at the UK HQ close to Leeds
  • Will have worked in an operational leadership role as a Managing or Commercial Director with a proven track record of driving revenue growth whilst holding a broad exposure to the other business functions
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and effectively represent the company’s interests
  • Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to decision-making, adept at analysing market trends, identifying opportunities, and mitigating risks
  • Results-oriented mindset with a passion for excellence, resilience, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Will have been on a previous journey of rapid growth and scaling so knowing what good looks like whilst remaining humble and approachable

Ben Watkins

Contact Ben Watkins