At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in vocational education across multiple sectors, including maritime and finance.
- Company: Join a dynamic international training group focused on growth and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and the chance to shape future training programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performance culture with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives while driving educational innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in vocational education and a commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € 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.
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
Head of Education employer: Union Maritime
As a forward-thinking international commercial training group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead impactful vocational training initiatives across diverse sectors. Join us in a vibrant location where your contributions will directly shape the future of education and training, while enjoying a supportive environment that values your expertise and vision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Education
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its training programmes. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your responses to highlight your leadership experience in vocational education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to speak about your past roles, focus on quantifiable results. We love hearing about how you’ve improved learner outcomes or operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can help us shape the future of vocational training.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Education. Highlight your experience in vocational training and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our multi-sector approach!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about education and how you can contribute to our new training business. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear vision for the future.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve learner outcomes and operational efficiency. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Union Maritime
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in vocational education. Brush up on your knowledge of maritime training, finance, IT, and any other sectors mentioned in the job description. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in the business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in educational settings. Think about specific instances where you’ve driven curriculum innovation or improved learner outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a high-performance culture.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships by discussing your experience with employers, partners, and regulatory bodies. Have a few anecdotes ready about how you’ve navigated stakeholder engagement and ensured programmes meet market demands.
✨Think Commercially
Be prepared to talk about how you can link education delivery to business performance. Discuss your experience with identifying new training opportunities and ensuring financial viability. This will highlight your commercial mindset, which is crucial for this role.
