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Elite Consult acting behalf of the Tees Maritime Cluster are recruiting for a Strategic Director to work on a permanent part time basis

About Us:

The Tees Maritime Cluster is an emerging maritime membership organisation committed to shaping the future of the maritime sector. Our mission is to support members in navigating the challenges of tomorrow, with a focus on workforce development, skills enhancement, and sustainable practices. We aim to drive innovation, ensure the sector remains competitive, and equip it with the talent necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Role Summary:

The Strategic Director will lead the organisation’s efforts to address the future skills needs of the maritime industry. By raising the profile and attractiveness of the maritime sector and the exciting career opportunities that exist for a diverse and inclusive workforce; we will in turn have positive and meaningful impact on the attractiveness of Teesside for growth and additional inward investment.

This role is pivotal in setting the strategic vision, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and driving initiatives that ensure the maritime workforce is prepared to meet emerging challenges, including technological advancements, sustainability goals, and global regulatory changes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

* Develop and implement a forward-looking skills strategy aligned with the maritime sector’s evolving needs, while enhancing productivity and reducing friction in international trade.

* Delivering a self-sustaining, membership-based cluster organisation by Spring 2026.

* Sourcing and securing additional public and private sector funding/support to facilitate growth, sustainability, skills availability and value for all.

* Identify emerging trends (e.g., automation, green technologies, digital transformation) and their implications for workforce planning.

* Shape policy recommendations to influence national and international maritime skills development agendas.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:

* Build and maintain strong relationships with members, industry leaders, educational institutions, other industry clusters and government bodies.

* Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to address skills gaps and foster innovation.

* Represent the organisation at conferences, events, industry forums, and policy discussions.

* Facilitate industry-wide collaboration to address skills gaps, diversity challenges, and technological integration.

* Sharing best practice between similar maritime clusters in the UK and beyond; as well as with other industry clusters who serve or are served by the maritime sector.

Program Development and Implementation:

* Oversee the design, funding, and implementation of initiatives to support and signpost to training programs, apprenticeships, and certification schemes.

* Promote digitalisation and sustainability through targeted workforce development projects.

* Evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives, ensuring alignment with industry needs and organisational goals.

* Produce reports for the Board of Directors, and additional output reports required to satisfy both funders and government bodies as needed.

Organisational Leadership:

* Collaborate with and provide tactical leadership to the Operational Delivery Manager, ensuring alignment with the cluster’s strategic objectives.

* Collaborate with the Board of Directors to refine and deliver the cluster’s mission.

* Ensure effective resource allocation and secure funding for key projects through partnerships and grants.

Required Skills and Experience

Essential:

* Proven track record in a strategic leadership role within the maritime, logistics, or related industries.

* Expertise in workforce development, education, or skills strategy, with knowledge of future trends such as automation, green technologies, and digital transformation.

* Strong understanding of the maritime regulatory and operational landscape.

* Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus at all levels.

* Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Desirable:

* Experience in working with membership organisations or trade associations.

* Knowledge of international maritime labour standards and policies.

* Strong networks within the maritime or educational sectors.

What We Offer:

* The opportunity to shape the future of a vital global industry.

* A collaborative and innovative working environment.

* Competitive salary and benefits.

* Opportunities for professional development and networking.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK

If you believe you can fit the above criteria and have an excellent work ethic, then we are very interested in hearing from you.

Due to the high volumes of applications, we are currently receiving, unfortunately we are only able to contact candidates who are successful in progressing to the next stage. If you have not been contacted within 7 days of your application, then please presume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications, and ability to perform the duties of the job