At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a world-class maritime training business, shaping the future of seafarers.
- Company: Join SeaLearn, a pioneering vocational training group backed by Union Maritime Limited.
- Benefits: Autonomy in leadership, competitive salary, and the chance to make a generational impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performance culture and engage with global industry leaders.
- Why this job: Be a founder-operator and transform maritime training for the next generation of officers.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in maritime training or shipping, with a strong commercial track record.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 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.
Requirements
- 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 employer: Union Maritime Ltd.
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 commitment to employee growth, a high-performance culture, and the backing of Union Maritime Limited, you will have the autonomy to shape the future of maritime education and create lasting change for aspiring seafarers. Join us in our mission to train 10,000 officers by 2050 and be part of a transformative journey in the maritime industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director - SeaLearn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially in maritime circles. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for maritime training! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for the future of seafarers and how you can contribute to their mission. We want to see that fire in your belly!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s values and goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission. At StudySmarter, we believe that being genuine and informed can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to make an impact in the maritime world!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director - SeaLearn
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 previous leadership roles you've had in maritime training or related fields. We’re looking for someone who has a proven track record, so don’t hold back on those achievements that demonstrate your capability to drive growth and success.
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 show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into that picture. It’s all about making that connection!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This not only streamlines the process but also shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Union Maritime Ltd.
✨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 stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability as a founder-operator.
✨Understand SeaLearn's Mission
Familiarise yourself with SeaLearn’s goals, especially the ambitious target of training 10,000 officers by 2050. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this mission and what innovative ideas you have for building a world-class maritime training platform.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with partners like the Tetra Foundation and other industry bodies. Prepare to discuss strategies for building long-term relationships and how you would represent SeaLearn at industry forums. This shows you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
