At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch of a world-class maritime training platform and drive strategic growth.
- Company: Join SeaLearn, a pioneering maritime training venture backed by Union Maritime Limited.
- Benefits: Autonomy in leadership, competitive salary, and the chance to shape the future of maritime education.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performance culture and engage with global industry leaders.
- Why this job: Make a generational impact by training 10,000 seafarers by 2050 in partnership with the Tetra Foundation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in maritime training or shipping, with a strong commercial track record.
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 employer: Union Maritime
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 autonomy of a founder backed by an established shipping group, 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, and be part of a transformative journey that empowers the next generation of seafarers.
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. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO gig!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create content or share insights related to maritime training and leadership. Whether it’s a blog post or a video, let your knowledge shine. This not only builds your personal brand but also positions you as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies like SeaLearn and express your interest. A well-timed email can make all the difference, and who knows? They might have something in the pipeline just for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews like it’s a big presentation. Research SeaLearn thoroughly, understand their mission, and come armed with ideas on how you can contribute to their vision. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they’ve been looking for!
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. Share specific examples of your past achievements in this field!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CEO/MD role at SeaLearn. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant commercial successes. We’re looking for someone who can drive growth, so don’t hold back on showcasing your P&L ownership!
Be Clear About Your Vision:In your application, articulate your vision for SeaLearn. How do you plan to build a world-class maritime training platform? We want to hear your strategic ideas and how you would engage with stakeholders to achieve our ambitious goals.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something transformative!
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 familiar with the industry but also ready to lead it.
✨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 that turned into long-term partnerships.
✨Demonstrate a Founder-Operator Mindset
Think about how you can convey your readiness to build SeaLearn from the ground up. Share your vision for the future of maritime training and how you plan to attract and retain top talent while ensuring cadet success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders, including the Tetra Foundation and industry bodies. Show that you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving SeaLearn's ambitious goals.
