At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a revolutionary maritime training platform, shaping the future of seafarers.
- Company: Join SeaLearn, a pioneering vocational training group backed by Union Maritime Limited.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global travel opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant autonomy and the potential for global influence.
- Why this job: Be a founder-operator and transform maritime education for the next generation of officers.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in maritime training or shipping, with a strong commercial background.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 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.
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 - SeaLearn in London 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 collaborative work culture, and the chance to shape the future of maritime education, we empower our team to thrive in a high-performance environment dedicated to developing the next generation of seafarers. Join us in this rewarding journey where your leadership will directly influence cadet outcomes and the maritime industry at large.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director - SeaLearn in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at maritime events or online forums. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for maritime training! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your vision for the future of seafarers and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Know their values, recent projects, and challenges in the maritime sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're the right fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and help you land that dream role at SeaLearn. It's a great way to ensure your profile gets noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer / Managing Director - SeaLearn 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 maritime training or related fields. We love seeing how your unique background can contribute to our vision!
Be Clear About Your Vision:In your application, articulate your vision for SeaLearn and how you plan to drive growth and success. We’re looking for someone who can think big and has a clear roadmap for turning our launch venture into a leading maritime training platform.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 shipowners and operators. 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 new training programmes and geographical expansions, showing that you’re ready to think big and act strategically.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to talk about how you would engage with key stakeholders like the Tetra Foundation and industry bodies. Share your ideas on building partnerships and representing SeaLearn at industry forums, as this will highlight your ability to foster relationships that drive success.
