At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a revolutionary maritime training platform, shaping the future of seafarers.
- Company: Join SeaLearn, a pioneering vocational training group backed by Union Maritime Limited.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global travel opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a world-class team and engage with industry leaders globally.
- Why this job: Be a founder-operator and transform maritime education for the next generation of officers.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in maritime training or shipping, with a strong commercial background.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Location: London-based, with significant time in Nigeria and across global maritime hubs.
Reporting to: Group Managing Director
SeaLearn is the launch vertical of a new vocational training group backed by Union Maritime Limited. We are building a world-class maritime training business that will educate the next generation of officers at scale — starting in Nigeria, where we are creating the first generation of Nigerian seafarers crewing the world's ships. The mission is generational: 10,000 officers trained by 2050, in partnership with the Tetra Foundation.
We are looking for a founder-operator: someone who has built or led a high-growth training, shipping, or services business before, and who is ready to turn SeaLearn from a launch venture into a category-defining maritime training platform.
The Position
As CEO / MD of SeaLearn, you will own the maritime training business end to end — strategy, P&L, cadet pipeline, curriculum, commercial partnerships with shipowners, and onboard placement. You will report to the Group MD and operate with the autonomy of a founder and the backing of an established shipping group.
- Strategic & Commercial Leadership
- Set the strategy, growth roadmap, and operating model for SeaLearn, with full P&L ownership
- Build commercial relationships with shipowners, operators, and managers — converting them into sponsors, employers, and long-term partners
- Deliver against ambitious cadet, revenue, and unit‐economic targets
- Training Delivery & Operations
- Build a maritime curriculum that meets international STCW standards and sets a new benchmark for quality
- Lead delivery across classroom, simulator, and sea‐time placement
- Establish and run training centres in Nigeria and future hubs
- People Leadership
- Attract, develop, and retain a world-class team of maritime instructors, operations staff, and commercial leaders
- Foster a high‐performance culture obsessed with cadet outcomes and commercial impact
- Stakeholder & Industry Engagement
- Partner closely with the Tetra Foundation on cadet sponsorship, outreach, and impact
- Engage with industry bodies, flag states, and regulators across the jurisdictions where SeaLearn operates
- Represent SeaLearn at industry forums and to shipping principals globally
- Cadet Outcomes & Growth
- Take personal accountability for cadet progression, qualification, and placement onto vessels
- Build the SeaLearn brand as the destination of choice for ambitious young seafarers
- Identify and launch new training programmes and geographies as the business scales
Key Requirements
- Senior leadership experience in maritime training, ship management, or a related operational shipping business
- Proven commercial track record — ideally with P&L ownership in a high‐growth or PE‐backed environment
- Deep knowledge of STCW, IMO, and the international maritime regulatory landscape
- Credibility with shipping principals — owners, managers, and charterers
- Comfort operating in emerging markets, particularly West Africa
- Founder‐operator mindset: ready to build from the ground up
Desirable
- Direct experience launching or scaling a maritime training academy
- Existing network across tanker, bulker, and container operators
- Background bridging commercial shipping and education
Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director - SeaLearn in London employer: Union Maritime Limited
SeaLearn is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering maritime training initiative in London while making a significant impact in Nigeria and beyond. With a strong focus on employee growth, a high-performance culture, and the autonomy of a founder-operator, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of maritime education. Join us in our mission to train 10,000 officers by 2050, backed by the resources of Union Maritime Limited and the Tetra Foundation, as we create a world-class training platform that empowers the next generation of seafarers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director - SeaLearn in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially in maritime training and shipping. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for maritime education! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for the future of seafarer training. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to shaping the next generation of officers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into SeaLearn’s mission and values. Understand their goals and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. This will help you stand out as someone who’s not just looking for a job, but is genuinely invested in their success.
✨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 the team and contributing to the exciting journey of building a world-class maritime training platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director - SeaLearn in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Maritime Training:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for maritime training shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission of training the next generation of seafarers, especially in Nigeria. Make it personal and relatable!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Be sure to showcase any senior leadership roles you've held in maritime training or related fields. We’re looking for someone who has a proven track record, so don’t hold back on detailing your achievements and how they can contribute to SeaLearn's growth.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the CEO/MD role at SeaLearn. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our vision.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Union Maritime Limited
✨Know Your Maritime Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of STCW, IMO, and the international maritime regulatory landscape. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who understands the intricacies of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led high-growth training or shipping businesses. Highlight your P&L ownership and how you’ve built commercial relationships with shipowners and operators. This will demonstrate your capability as a founder-operator.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Be ready to articulate your vision for SeaLearn. Think about how you would set the strategy and growth roadmap for the business. Discuss potential partnerships and how you plan to attract and retain top talent in the maritime sector.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with key stakeholders, including the Tetra Foundation and industry bodies. Show that you understand the importance of building relationships and how you would represent SeaLearn at industry forums.
