At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new vocational education business across multiple sectors, including maritime and finance.
- Company: Join an innovative international commercial training group with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performance culture that values learner outcomes and engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping the future of vocational training and education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in vocational education and a strong commercial mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are conceiving a new (vocational) education/training business: A separate business, likely outside Union but within the same beneficially owned group, which would house SeaLearn (for maritime training) as well as training businesses/schemes focused on other sectors. This role will have multi-sector scope: a new business covering maritime (SeaLearn) plus other sectors (finance/accounting, IT, etc.). i.e. A portfolio across sectors. We are looking for someone from PE-backed and other major training organisations; this organisation will be an international commercial training group.
The Position
As Managing Director you will be responsible for the successful leadership and management of the entity. Your role will involve establishing strategic goals and formulating plans to ensure the key objectives are met. You will also be responsible for reporting back to the management team with suggestions and improvements needed to ensure the organisation is performing at its best.
Requirements
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the education strategy aligned with business growth objectives
- Lead curriculum innovation to meet evolving industry and employer requirements
- Contribute to business planning, forecasting, and expansion of training programmes
- Curriculum & Quality Assurance
- Oversee design and delivery of vocational programmes (apprenticeships, certifications, short courses)
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and awarding bodies (e.g. Ofsted, ESFA)
- Drive continuous improvement through quality assurance frameworks and performance data
- Operational Management
- Manage day-to-day training operations, including delivery teams and resources
- Monitor KPIs such as learner achievement, retention, and progression
- Optimise delivery models (in-person, blended, online) for efficiency and impact
- People Leadership
- Lead, develop, and inspire a team of trainers, assessors, and curriculum leads
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on learner outcomes and engagement
- Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of education staff
- Stakeholder & Employer Engagement
- Build strong relationships with employers, partners, and awarding bodies
- Ensure programmes reflect current market and skills demands
- Represent the organisation in inspections, audits, and external reviews
- Commercial & Growth
- Support business development by identifying new training opportunities
- Ensure programmes are financially viable and meet revenue targets
- Contribute to bids, tenders, and new market entry strategies
Key Requirements
- Leading/building international educational business's
- Proven leadership experience in vocational education, training, or apprenticeships
- Commercial mindset with the ability to link education delivery to business performance
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Track record of improving learner outcomes and operational efficiency
Desirable
- Experience in a private training provider or employer-led training environment
- Familiarity with digital learning platforms and blended delivery models
Managing Director employer: Union Maritime Ltd.
As a forward-thinking international commercial training group, we offer an exceptional work environment for the Managing Director role, where you will lead a diverse portfolio of vocational education initiatives across multiple sectors. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities for professional development. Join us in shaping the future of training and education while making a meaningful impact in the maritime and other industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in vocational education and training. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved learner outcomes. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every organisation is different, so take the time to understand their goals and challenges. When you apply through our website, customise your pitch to show how your skills align with their needs. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
✨Follow Up
After an interview or networking event, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note or message. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and remind them of your enthusiasm for the role. We believe a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Managing Director role. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant achievements in vocational education or training.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this multi-sector role. Mention your experience with curriculum innovation and stakeholder engagement to show you understand the job's demands.
Showcase Your Commercial Mindset:In your application, emphasise how you've linked education delivery to business performance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your understanding of the commercial aspects of running an international training organisation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Union Maritime Ltd.
✨Know Your Business Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values, especially regarding their new vocational education venture. Familiarise yourself with SeaLearn and other sectors they’re targeting. This will help you align your vision with theirs and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and developed educational strategies in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can implement innovative curriculum changes that meet industry demands, as this is crucial for the Managing Director position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with employers and partners in the past. Be prepared to share your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you would ensure that training programmes reflect current market needs. This will show your understanding of the commercial side of education.
✨Demonstrate a Growth Mindset
Highlight your experience in identifying new training opportunities and driving business development. Discuss how you’ve contributed to financial viability in previous roles, as this will resonate well with their focus on commercial growth and performance.