At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a world-class maritime training platform in Nigeria.
- Company: Join SeaLearn, a pioneering vocational training group backed by Union Maritime Limited.
- Benefits: Autonomy to shape the future of maritime education with strong backing.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performance culture and engage with global shipping leaders.
- Why this job: Make a generational impact by training 10,000 officers by 2050.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in maritime training or related fields required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
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 employer: Union Maritime
SeaLearn is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the development of a world-class maritime training platform in Nigeria. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a high-performance culture, you will have the autonomy to shape the future of maritime education while being backed by the established Union Maritime Limited. Join us in making a generational impact by training 10,000 officers by 2050, and be part of a mission that not only transforms lives but also elevates the maritime industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend maritime events, join relevant forums, and engage on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on maritime training and your vision for the future. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for SeaLearn.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Prepare to talk about your strategic vision for a high-growth training business. Think about how you would approach building partnerships with shipowners and creating a world-class curriculum. This will show you’re not just a candidate, but a future leader.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the SeaLearn mission to train the next generation of seafarers.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director
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. Share specific examples of your past achievements in this field!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:As a potential CEO/MD, it's crucial to showcase your leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who has successfully led high-growth businesses before, so make sure to detail your strategic and commercial leadership experiences in your application.
Tailor Your Application to SeaLearn:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your background fits with SeaLearn’s goals. Mention our partnership with the Tetra Foundation and how you can contribute to our ambitious targets.
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 it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SeaLearn!
How to prepare for a job interview at Union Maritime
✨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.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate a clear vision for SeaLearn and how you plan to achieve the ambitious targets set out in the job description. Discuss potential strategies for building partnerships with shipowners and creating a world-class curriculum that meets international standards.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about how you would engage with various stakeholders, including the Tetra Foundation and industry bodies. Show that you understand the importance of collaboration and how it can impact cadet outcomes and the growth of SeaLearn.
