General Manager / Principal

About the Client

Our client is a well-established organization in the maritime and shipping industry, known for delivering professional marine, shipping, and risk management solutions while maintaining strong relationships across the global maritime sector.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic maritime professional to serve as General Manager / Principal, leading the overall operations, academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth of a leading maritime education and training institution in Sri Lanka.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise with the Managing Director and shareholders to define and execute the Academy's strategic direction, ensuring long-term growth, financial sustainability, and effective resource allocation.
• Assist in financial performance through budgeting, forecasting, cost optimization, and disciplined capital deployment, while safeguarding training quality and compliance.
• Lead market expansion by identifying new programs, revenue streams, and partnerships aligned with global maritime industry demand.
• Ensure academic excellence and full regulatory compliance, including STCW, IMO,MSS/DGMS, and other applicable standards; oversee curriculum development and launch of competency-based training programs.
• Maintain and expand institutional accreditations and regulatory approvals with local and international bodies.
• Build and manage high-impact relationships with shipping companies, regulators, flag administrations, and government agencies, including frameworks for sea-time placements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team and faculty, supported by succession planning and continuous professional development.
• Drive brand positioning, marketing, public relations, admissions strategy, and stakeholder communications to enhance market presence and student recruitment.
• Provide executive oversight of infrastructure development, simulators, workshops, and facilities, ensuring delivery within budget, timeline, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Establish and monitor KPIs across academic performance, compliance, financial outcomes, student satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls to ensure adherence to statutory obligations, regulatory requirements, and shareholder expectations.

Qualifications

• Master Mariner with experience.
• Senior leadership experience within maritime education, training and development.
• Strong understanding of STCW, maritime regulatory frameworks, and accreditation processes.
• Proven commercial and P&L leadership capability.
• Demonstrated ability to engage regulators, industry stakeholders, and boards.
• Track record of institutional growth, program development, and infrastructure delivery.

Interested candidates may send their CV to jobs@mindplus.global