Join the UK Chamber of Shipping and help shape the future of one of the world’s most vital industries. We are the voice of UK shipping, working to ensure a safe, sustainable, and competitive shipping and maritime sector that supports global trade and the UK economy. Our purpose to unite UK shipping by advising, advocating, advancing, and amplifying the industry’s voice. If you share our commitment to sustainability, integrity, and excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Business Operations and Skills Manager (Maternity Cover, MNTB) 

We’re Hiring - An opportunity to support the delivery of UK maritime skills, training and careers at a critical time for the sector.

The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) is seeking a Business Operations and Skills Manager to join the team on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. This role sits at the heart of the UK maritime training system and supports the work of the MNTB, the Maritime Educational Foundation (MEF), and associated industry initiatives.

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing operational activity, supporting funding schemes, coordinating industry engagement, and promoting maritime careers through initiatives such as Careers at Sea. You will work closely with the MNTB Director, Trustees, Board members, and training providers to ensure the effective delivery of skills and training activity.

This is a varied and hands-on role requiring strong organisational skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and confidence in working with a wide range of stakeholders. You will also have responsibility for communications activity, including social media and website management, and for providing secretariat support to a number of boards and committees.

We are looking for a proactive, well-organised individual with excellent communication skills, experience of administration and project coordination, and an interest in skills, training and careers. Experience of the shipping sector is desirable but not essential, and applications are welcomed from candidates with transferable experience from other sectors.

If you are motivated by supporting skills development, promoting careers, and contributing to an industry-wide mission, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. 

For further information on the role, please download the candidate briefing pack. 

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and covering letter to: jgodfrey@ukchamberofshipping.com

The closing date for applications is 9 February 2026. Interviews will be held w/c 16 and 23 February. 

Please note: Unfortunately, the UK Chamber of Shipping is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position, and only candidates with existing eligibility to work in the UK will be considered.

Why Work With Us?

Expand/collapse
  • Make an Impact: Influence policy and regulation that shapes the future of UK shipping.
  • Champion Sustainability: Contribute to initiatives that reduce emissions and protect our oceans.
  • Collaborate Globally: Work with international partners and stakeholders on key issues for the shipping and maritime industry.
  • Grow Professionally: We offer professional development opportunities and a supportive team environment.

Our Purpose and Values

At the heart of our work are four pillars: Advise, Advocate, Advance, Amplify.
We live by values that define who we are:

  • Service to our members is at the heart of everything we do
  • We earn trust through openness & transparency
  • We deliver ambitious results through diligence & determination
  • We act with unfailing integrity, independence & impartiality

A note for Recruitment Agencies

Expand/collapse

We value the interest from recruitment agencies; however, we do not accept unsolicited approaches or candidate submissions. All recruitment is managed directly by our internal team.

Any CVs or candidate details sent without a prior agreement will be treated as unsolicited, and we will not be responsible for any associated fees.

Thank you for respecting this policy.