At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of implementation processes and build a high-performing team.
- Company: Aptem, a stable SaaS business making a real impact in the UK skills sector.
- Benefits: Generous leave, private medical options, discounts, and flexible summer hours.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team supporting over 130,000 learners daily.
- Why this job: Make a visible mark by transforming onboarding and enhancing customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in SaaS, proven leadership in transformation, and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Aptem builds software for the UK skills and employment sector. Our platform supports training providers, employers, and employment organisations to manage learner journeys from enrolment through to qualification or employment outcome. We are in the middle of a deliberate, ambitious transformation of how we work, and this role is at the centre of it.
We are looking for a Head of Implementation to transform our implementation function into a market-leading onboarding operation: faster, lower effort for customers and for Aptem, and consistently excellent. This is a transformation role first. You will not carry a personal project portfolio; your job is to fundamentally reimagine how the team works, build the processes and capability to sustain it, and drive continuous improvement from there.
The right person has already done this. They can point to specific examples of implementation or onboarding transformation they have led, the metrics that prove it, and how they brought their team with them. Evidence of what you have built and changed matters more than tenure or seniority.
What you will be doing:
- Leading transformation
- Leading the fundamental redesign of implementation processes to materially reduce effort and cycle time for both Aptem and its customers
- Identifying and driving automation opportunities, using AI and working with product and technology teams where appropriate
- Setting and pursuing an ambitious improvement agenda, not just incremental change
- Owning the tooling and technology used to support implementation; making recommendations on new approaches
- Evaluating implementation effectiveness through customer and stakeholder feedback, and acting on what you find
- Leading the team
- Building, developing, and retaining a high-performing team of 12 with a clear customer focus and a continuous improvement mindset
- Providing coaching and performance feedback that genuinely raises capability over time
- Holding the team accountable for data accuracy in Planhat to enable reliable reporting
- Managing workload allocation, recruitment, onboarding, and day-to-day team issues
- Ensuring team members set clear expectations internally and externally and follow through on them
- Operating cross-functionally
- Building productive relationships with Sales, Customer Support, Customer Success, Product, and Finance
- Acting as the primary escalation contact for implementation issues with senior customer stakeholders
- Supporting Sales on large prospect opportunities, including presentations and project estimates
- Working with Marketing to identify customers who could serve as references or case studies
What we are looking for:
Essential
- Experience in a SaaS or technology business
- Demonstrated experience leading a meaningful implementation, onboarding, or operational transformation, with specific evidence of what changed, by how much, and how it was measured
- Strong people leadership: a track record of developing and retaining a team through significant change, and getting buy-in rather than just driving change from above
- A track record of getting buy-in for transformation, not just driving it from above
- Experience managing a team across multiple concurrent customer accounts or projects
- Proven ability to manage senior stakeholder relationships and act as a credible escalation contact
- Strong commercial awareness: understanding of how implementation connects to revenue, retention, and customer satisfaction
- Clear, confident communicator across all channels, including when delivering difficult messages
- Working knowledge of implementation and project management tooling
Desirable
- Experience working in a regulated or compliance-adjacent environment
- Proficiency in Planhat
Why Aptem
Aptem's platform supports over 130,000 learners every day across the UK. We are a mature, stable SaaS business in a sector where the work genuinely matters, and we are at an inflection point in how we operate. This role has real scope to build something better and leave a visible mark on the business.
If you have transformed an implementation function before and want to do it again somewhere the impact will be felt, we would like to hear from you.
Benefits:
- 27 days annual leave
- Option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Life insurance
- Optional comprehensive private medical insurance
- Optional EV scheme with Octopus to make electric cars more affordable
- Salary Extras: retail and gym discounts, plus Employee Assistance Programme
- Summer hours for extra flexibility in warmer months
- Birthday day off
- Pension scheme to support your long‑term financial future
- Aptem Neighbour Scheme to connect local remote colleagues
- Up to two paid volunteering days each year
- Biannual company social events
- Virtual coffee networking to build connections across the business
Head of Implementation employer: Aptem
Aptem is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and employee growth. With a focus on transforming the implementation function, employees have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a stable SaaS environment that supports over 130,000 learners daily. The company provides generous benefits, including 27 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a commitment to continuous improvement, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Implementation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Aptem or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by showcasing your transformation success stories. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led implementation changes and the impact they had on the business.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your past roles; think about how you can contribute to Aptem’s ambitious transformation. Show us your vision for improving their implementation processes and how you’d make it happen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Aptem team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Implementation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Transformation Experience:When you’re writing your application, make sure to highlight any previous experience you have in transforming implementation or onboarding processes. We want to see specific examples of what you changed, how you did it, and the impact it had. Metrics are your best friend here!
Be Clear and Confident:Use clear and confident language throughout your application. This role requires strong communication skills, so show us you can convey your ideas effectively. Don’t shy away from discussing difficult topics; we appreciate honesty and transparency.
Focus on Team Leadership:We’re looking for someone who can build and lead a high-performing team. In your application, share your experiences in developing and retaining talent, especially during times of change. Let us know how you’ve got buy-in from your team in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aptem
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Make sure to prepare specific examples of past implementation or onboarding transformations you've led. Highlight the metrics that demonstrate your success and how you engaged your team in the process. This will show Aptem that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Understand the SaaS Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of the SaaS industry, especially in relation to implementation processes. Be ready to discuss how these processes connect to revenue, retention, and customer satisfaction. This understanding will help you articulate your vision for transforming Aptem's implementation function.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice your communication skills, as you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly to various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you would handle difficult messages and ensure that your communication style aligns with Aptem’s customer-focused approach.
✨Build Relationships Across Functions
Think about how you can foster collaboration between different teams like Sales, Customer Support, and Product. Be prepared to share strategies for building productive relationships and how you would act as a credible escalation contact for implementation issues.
