Training Manager & Senior Instructor

Fire Aid - STCW Training Provider & Dry Dock Safety Services; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £45k–£50k

25 days annual leave

Company mobile phone

Paid overseas travel and expenses

Professional development and training

On-site parking

Modern training facilities

Work with leading cruise lines

Impact training life at sea

Job summary

Fire Aid Academy is a leading maritime training provider seeking a Training Manager & Senior Instructor to lead the training function, shape programmes and ensure high standards. You will deliver and oversee courses while managing instructors and resources, with occasional international travel.

Reporting to Operations Director, this full-time senior role combines hands-on training with strategic leadership, driving continual improvement across the Academy and international operations.

Qualifications

• Teaching qualification in adult education or equivalent.
• Experience leading maritime training teams and courses.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the instructional team and staff.
• Develop and maintain training programmes and materials.
• Ensure compliance with awarding bodies, ISO and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee overseas training programmes and international travel when needed.
• Support audits and business development activities.

Skills

Teaching qualification

Maritime training

Leadership and people management

Organisational and planning abilities

Instructors management

Communication and presentation

Driving licence

Willingness to travel internationally

Quality assurance and audits

Curriculum development

Education

IMO Training Course for Instructors 6.09

Adult Education (AET Level 3)

Job description

Fire Aid Academy is one of the UK's leading providers of specialist maritime fire fighting, emergency response and safety training.

Working with some of the world's largest cruise lines, commercial shipping companies, offshore operators and industrial organisations, we deliver realistic, practical training that prepares people to respond confidently and effectively in real emergencies.

As our business continues to grow both in the UK and internationally, we are looking for an exceptional individual to join our senior management team as ourTraining Manager & Senior Instructor.

This is far more than an instructor role. It is an opportunity to take ownership of our entire training function, lead and inspire our instructional team, shape the future of our training programmes and ensure we continue to deliver training to the highest possible standards. This is a unique opportunity to join an ambitious and growing organisation.

If you are passionate about developing people, maintaining exceptional quality and leading by example, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will have overall responsibility for the planning, management and continuous improvement of Fire Aid Academy's training department.

Whilst this is a leadership role, we are looking for someone who enjoys remaining operational and leading from the front. You will continue to deliver training courses yourself whilst overseeing the wider training operation.

Working Pattern

This is a full-time senior management position with a flexible working pattern. The successful candidate will be expected to work flexibly according to the operational needs of the business and the requirements of our training schedule.

Whilst the majority of working hours will generally be Monday to Friday, the role may occasionally require early starts, evenings, weekends and travel, depending on course schedules, client requirements and operational needs.

The successful candidate will be expected to manage their time autonomously and take ownership of ensuring the training school operates effectively and consistently.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing Fire Aid Academy's instructional team.
• Managing employed and contractor instructors, technicians and staff
• Producing instructor rotas and resource planning.
• Delivering a variety of maritime, fire fighting and emergency response training courses.
• Ensuring consistency and quality across every course delivered.
• Reviewing, maintaining and updating all course materials.
• Developing new training programmes and expanding our course portfolio.
• Ensuring compliance with awarding body, ISO and regulatory requirements.
• Preparing for and supporting internal and external audits.
• Monitoring instructor performance and mentoring new instructors.
• Managing training equipment and facilities.
• Driving continual improvement throughout the Academy.
• Supporting commercial tenders and new client opportunities.
• Working closely with the senior management team to help shape the future direction of the business.

International Responsibilities

As part of Fire Aid International Training Ltd, you will also oversee the delivery of our overseas training programmes. This will involve occasional international travel to locations including:

• North Macedonia
• Bulgaria
• France
• Other locations as required

You will deliver specialist fire guard training, mentor overseas instructors and ensure that every Fire Aid training programme is delivered consistently to the exceptionally high standards our clients expect, regardless of location.

About You

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable leading a team as they are standing in front of a classroom or practical training exercise.

You will be organised, approachable, professional and genuinely passionate about developing people and raising standards.

You may come from a background such as:

• Offshore emergency response
• Maritime training
• Emergency services
• Health & Safety training

Above all else, we're looking for someone who shares our passion for delivering outstanding training and continually improving the learning experience for every student.

• Teaching qualification – ideally Adult Education (AET Level 3 or equivalent), minimum IMO Training Course for Instructors 6.09 (Train the Trainer)
• Maritime industry experience
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple instructors and training programmes.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• STCW training
• Assessor and/or IQA qualifications
• ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
• Emergency Planning
• Confined Space Rescue
• First Aid instruction

Don't worry if you don't meet every requirement, we're looking for the right person with the right attitude, leadership qualities and desire to develop.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of£45,000–£50,000, depending on experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Company mobile phone.
• Paid overseas travel and expenses.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Opportunities to gain additional instructor and industry qualifications.
• Free on-site parking.
• Modern purpose-built maritime training facilities.
• A varied, rewarding and genuinely interesting role where no two days are ever the same.
• The opportunity to work with some of the world's leading cruise lines, commercial shipping companies and maritime organisations.
• The chance to make a genuine difference by helping train those responsible for protecting life at sea.