At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a revolutionary maritime training platform in Nigeria.
- Company: Join SeaLearn, backed by Union Maritime Limited, to shape the future of seafaring.
- Benefits: Autonomy as a founder with support from an established shipping group.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a world-class team and engage with global industry 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 in London employer: Union Maritime
SeaLearn is an exceptional employer, dedicated to shaping the future of maritime training in Nigeria. With a strong focus on employee growth and a high-performance culture, we offer unique opportunities for leadership and innovation in a rapidly expanding sector. Join us in our mission to train 10,000 officers by 2050, where your contributions will directly impact the next generation of seafarers and the maritime industry at large.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in maritime training and shipping. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand that highlights your experience in high-growth training or shipping businesses. Share insights, write articles, or even start a blog. This will help us see you as a thought leader in the maritime space.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into SeaLearn’s mission and values. Understand the challenges in maritime training and come armed with ideas on how to tackle them. We love candidates who are passionate and proactive about our goals!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our journey to train the next generation of seafarers.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director in London
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 that highlight your commitment to education and the maritime industry.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the CEO/MD role at SeaLearn. Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant achievements in high-growth environments. We’re looking for someone who can take us to the next level, so make it clear how you fit the bill!
Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, emphasise your commercial track record and P&L ownership. We need a founder-operator who can build relationships with shipowners and drive revenue growth. Use numbers and outcomes to showcase your successes in previous roles.
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. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of the SeaLearn journey from the get-go!
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 for cadet training and placement. Discuss potential partnerships and innovative training programmes you could introduce, showing that you’re ready to take the business to the next level.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with key stakeholders like the Tetra Foundation and industry bodies. Show that you understand the importance of building relationships and how you would represent SeaLearn at industry forums to enhance its reputation.
