At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage bursary and welfare services for seafarers, ensuring their needs are met.
- Company: Marine Society & Sea Cadets, a leading maritime charity focused on youth development.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and generous pension.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion in maritime welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of seafarers while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in the not-for-profit sector required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: National Support Centre, London SE1
Contract: Full time, permanent
Salary: £40k
Closing Date: 1st May 2026
Marine Society have an exciting new role! Help us deliver and expand our core bursary and welfare services and support the needs of seafarers. You will manage our highly renowned Slater scholarship fund and other training bursaries, together with the Coming Ashore mentoring programme and careers advice and guidance resources.
You will be expected to have a good understanding of seafaring training and certification requirements and have experience of working in the not-for-profit sector. A background working in the maritime sector is helpful but not essential.
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is the leading maritime charity for youth development and lifelong learning. We are a vibrant and growing charity inspiring young people to achieve their potential through challenge and nautical adventure and also enabling seafarers and maritime professionals to realise their potential through learning and career development.
About The Role
This new role is to manage the bursary and welfare services of Marine Society. This requires an in depth understanding of seafarer’s needs and the training and certification they require to progress in their careers, both at sea and ashore. The manager will also oversee wider aspects of careers information and guidance and assisting with fundraising activity.
Responsibilities
- Assess and process all bursary applications, including Slater Scholarships, Worcester, Hanway and Green Skills bursaries against clearly defined eligibility criteria
- Authorise the award of financial bursaries and approve beneficiary claims and expenses
- Maximise the use bursary funding and ensure successful outcomes for beneficiaries
- Identify new bursary funding opportunities and devise bids in collaboration with the fundraising team
- Manage the bursary and Coming Ashore programme restricted funds. Monitor and report on expenditure and activity
- Manage the operation of the Coming Ashore mentoring programme and ensure its sustainability
- Produce statistical reports and analysis pertaining to bursaries and welfare services for internal and external stakeholders
- Put in place and maintain online and physical resources that provide seafarers with information, advice and guidance and supports maritime career development
- Lead the annual Matrix accreditation process
- Work with the Digital Marketing Coordinator to ensure the effective marketing of bursary and welfare provision through a range of media and ensure the website remains up to date and relevant to seafarer needs
- Represent Marine Society on external committees and forums that relate to welfare, including Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Nautilus Slater Management Committee
Requirements
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualifications/experience
- In depth knowledge and understanding of the training needs of UK and international seafarers including their welfare and certification routes within the maritime sector both at sea and ashore
- Experience of working as team leader or manager in the not-for-profit sector
- Experience of preparing and presenting reports to management team and funders as required
- Ability to use social media and press effectively to inform and promote seafarer welfare and professional development
For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave per annum increasing with length of service
- Hybrid working for many roles
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Private medical insurance
- Generous pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
- Cycle to work scheme
- Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
- Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential
Additional Information
MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.
We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC's values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.
All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo pre-employment checks including a criminal record check.
Bursary and Welfare Manager in London employer: MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets)
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and inclusivity. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a commitment to personal growth through learning opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people and maritime professionals. Located in London, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to a leading maritime charity dedicated to fostering talent and supporting under-represented communities.
Contact Details:
MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bursary and Welfare Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime sector, especially those involved with welfare and bursary services. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for seafarers' welfare! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, share your ideas on how to improve their services. This shows initiative and genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Marine Society's current projects and challenges. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the Marine Society.
We think you need these skills to ace Bursary and Welfare Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the bursary and welfare services we offer, especially how they relate to seafarers. This will help you tailor your application and show us you're genuinely interested.
Show Your Experience:Highlight any relevant experience you have in the not-for-profit sector or working with seafarers. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets)
✨Know Your Bursary Basics
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the bursary and welfare services offered by Marine Society. Familiarise yourself with the Slater scholarship fund and other training bursaries, as well as the Coming Ashore mentoring programme. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in the not-for-profit sector and any relevant roles you've held. Highlight specific examples where you've managed funds or supported individuals in their career development. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the Bursary and Welfare Manager position.
✨Understand Seafarers' Needs
Since this role involves supporting seafarers, it's crucial to understand their training and certification requirements. Research common challenges they face and think about how you can address these in your role. This insight will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the future direction of the bursary programmes or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
