Skilltrade is a leading training company for the hydrographic survey, dredging and offshore construction industry. Since 2000, we’ve trained professionals worldwide. As our courses, delivery methods and learning environments continue to evolve, safeguarding the academic quality, correctness and relevance of our educational content is more important than ever.

To support our continued growth, we are looking for a Managing Director with a strong focus on sales and business development. In this role you will take overall responsibility for commercial strategy, revenue growth, and market expansion, while providing strategic leadership to the organization.

YOUR ROLE

As Managing Director, you are ultimately responsible for the commercial success and strategic direction of Skilltrade, with a clear emphasis on sales, market development and client relationships. You lead the company with a hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset, balancing strategic leadership while staying actively involved in key commercial activities.

You define and execute the sales and business development strategy, identify new markets and opportunities, and strengthen long-term relationships with clients and partners worldwide. Working closely with a small team, you ensure that our training portfolio continues to align with market demand and client needs.

You represent Skilltrade externally, acting as the primary commercial ambassador of the company. Internally, you provide direction, clarity, and motivation, ensuring alignment between commercial objectives and operational execution. You report to the group management team and other key stakeholders.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Define and execute Skilltrade’s overall commercial and sales strategy.

• Drive revenue growth through new business development, key account management, and market expansion.

• Identify new markets, regions, and client segments for Skilltrade’s training services.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, partners, and industry stakeholders.

• Oversee pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and commercial agreements.

• Align training offerings with market needs in close collaboration with academic and operational teams.

• Lead and develop the organization, providing strategic direction and clear priorities.

• Represent Skilltrade at industry events, client meetings, and international engagements.

• Monitor financial performance and ensure sustainable, profitable growth.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.

WHO WE LOOK FOR

You are a commercially driven leader with a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for building businesses. You combine strategic thinking with hands-on sales leadership and are comfortable operating in an international, technical, and niche market.

You enjoy working with highly skilled professionals, translating market demand into viable training solutions, and leading through influence, vision, and collaboration. You balance commercial ambition with long-term relationship building and organizational sustainability.

WHAT WE ASK

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business administration, management, engineering, or a related field.

• Relevant leadership or executive education is a plus.

Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in a senior commercial, sales, or managing director role.

• Strong track record in sales leadership and business development.

• Experience working in or with technical, engineering, maritime, offshore, or training environments is a strong advantage.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, able to engage both clients and internal teams.

• Financially and commercially literate with experience in contract negotiation and pricing strategies.

• Fluency in English (spoken and written); additional languages are a plus.

• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A senior executive role with full responsibility for the commercial success of Skilltrade.

• The opportunity to lead and grow a well-established, internationally respected training company.

• A dynamic role combining strategic leadership, sales, and international business development.

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and performance.

• The chance to work with passionate professionals in a unique, global, and highly technical industry.