What Is SaaS Operations? (With Responsibilities and Skills)

Many companies are expanding their technology departments to include software-as-a-service or SaaS. SaaS operations help companies manage, improve and develop internal and external software applications. If you're interested in information technology, you may benefit from learning more about SaaS operations. In this article, we explain what SaaS operations are, describe the responsibilities of these professionals, discuss the work environment, provide a list of necessary skills and explain how to get a job in this field.

Related: SaaS Companies: What They Are and How To Choose One

What is SaaS operations?

SaaS operations is a developing aspect of the informational technology (IT) field that relates to any software that a business or organization uses as a service. SaaS software includes any program that someone in your company might use to enhance their work performance. This may be a video conferencing service, a scheduling application or an instant messaging platform shared by the entire company. The role of SaaS operations professionals is to manage a company's use of these applications. They help ensure that the company remains within its IT budget and that each employee knows what software is available to them.

Related: 8 Benefits of the SaaS Model for Businesses and Customers

Responsibilities in SaaS operations

SaaS operations professionals may have a variety of responsibilities related to the management, operation, function and budget of the company's SaaS programs. Some job duties and responsibilities of these professionals may include:

• Find the best set of applications for the company

• Manage access to software applications to ensure security

• Monitor how often employees use SaaS applications

• Onboard and offload employees to the proper applications

• Develop processes for approving the use of a new SaaS application

• Develop and adhere to an IT budget

• Automate the administration of a company's SaaS applications

• Teach employees how to use the software applications

• Establish a system of record to maintain organization

• Optimize the SaaS budget by identifying which software is most valuable to the company

• Develop a process to protect company data and information

Related: Definitive Guide to SaaS Sales

Work environments for SAAS operations professionals

The work environments for SaaS operations professionals may vary based on the type of organization that employs them. Many companies are expanding their ability to manage internal software systems, such as SaaS programs. However, it's common for SaaS professionals to work in an office setting, either in person or remote. This allows them to have access to other employees in order to provide the best possible IT support for SaaS applications.

Related: 13 Types of IT Services: What They Are and How They Help

Skills for working in SAAS operations

For people interested in a SaaS operations role, there are a few specific skills that may prove useful. These skills include:

Compliance management

Compliance management refers to an individual's ability to ensure that companies and individuals comply with the rules, procedures and policies related to SaaS applications. This skill is particularly important because it allows professionals to maintain the security of the company's data. Compliance management requires SaaS professionals to communicate clearly about the expectations for the software, the creation of documents that explain the security policies and the organization of the SaaS software that a company uses. This skill can improve the company's use of software while also enhancing the security levels.

Communication

Another important skill for SaaS operations professionals is communication. It's essential for these professionals to communicate with other employees and company leadership about the budget, application usage and other issues related to SaaS applications. For example, someone in this field may conduct cybersecurity training each year to ensure all employees know how to use and secure the applications. Having strong communication skills can enhance your ability to highlight the importance of data security.

Coding

Some companies may require specialized SaaS applications, which means that the operations professionals create, customize or build applications. These custom applications may take time, trial and error before they're complete and ready for use. It's important for SaaS professionals to have extensive knowledge about coding languages to ensure they're equipped for these types of tasks. Additionally, coding skills help ensure that the SaaS applications a company uses are compliant with the database of the organization.

Collaboration

The design of SaaS applications appeals to multiple departments of an organization, so it's likely that every employee within a company has access to one or more applications. Because of the wide reach of SaaS applications, collaboration is a necessary skill for operations professionals. For example, the SaaS operations team may conduct department-specific meetings to better understand the software needs of each part of the company. It's necessary for the team to feel comfortable interacting and collaborating with people from all sides of the organization to ensure that the SaaS applications work effectively.

How to become a SaaS operations professional

If you're interested in becoming a SaaS operations professional, consider following these steps:

1. Pursue an education

One way you can prepare for a career in SaaS operations is by pursuing an education. If you choose to attend college, try to major in computer science or a related field. The courses you take can prepare you for a career in information technology, which includes SaaS applications. Earning a college-level degree may also increase your chances of being hired within your field. It may lead to higher earnings and can provide you with the foundational skills necessary to begin work as a SaaS operations professional.

Related: How To Start a Career in IT

2. Develop your skills

If you begin working in IT, try to notice areas of improvement. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses can help you identify what skills you can develop. You might decide to take an additional college course in coding, or develop your collaboration skills by joining a team in the office. Developing your skills may help you learn more about the industry and advance in your career.

3. Find a mentor

Another way to improve your chances of becoming a SaaS operations professional is by finding a mentor in the field. A mentor can be a coworker, professor or another IT professional who has extensive experience and knowledge about the industry. When you have a mentor, you can ask questions and gain valuable insight about advancing your career.

4. Update your resume

As you begin to apply for positions in SaaS operations, it's important to update your resume so employers receive an accurate representation of your skills. There are a variety of details to include in a resume, such as your work experience, technical skills and education. Keeping your resume updated may help differentiate you from other applications, which can improve your chances during the hiring process.