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Graduate Programme Manager at Union Maritime

About Union Maritime

Union Maritime stands at the forefront of the global maritime industry, consistently delivering cutting-edge transportation and logistics solutions to its esteemed customers. The organisation is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the sector, harnessing the latest technologies and embracing industry best practices to achieve unparalleled efficiency and reliability. From innovative approaches to cargo handling to the sophisticated use of data analytics for optimising routes and logistics, Union Maritime is dedicated to maintaining a leading position in maritime innovation. The company does not merely meet the needs of its clients but actively anticipates them, setting new benchmarks for service and operational excellence. Prospective candidates are invited to join Union Maritime on the cutting edge of maritime innovation and experience the company's distinct difference.

Union Maritime is currently undertaking a crucial recruitment initiative to identify and secure a high-calibre professional for the following pivotal role:


Job Title: Graduate Programme Manager

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-Time (Onsite)


Role Overview

Union Maritime is embarking on a significant and transformative journey to cultivate its next generation of leaders through the launch of a landmark, high-profile graduate scheme. This initiative commences with the immediate launch of the scheme in Lagos, Nigeria, running in parallel with the global build-out of a consistent programme in Singapore.

The Graduate Programme Manager will assume the critical function of serving as both the principal architect and the operational lead for this cross-regional, high-impact initiative.

This role occupies a central position within Union Maritime's long-term talent strategy. It demands a sophisticated blend of strategic vision, meticulous execution, and the requisite confidence to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and diverse partner networks across multiple geographies.

Immediate Strategic Priorities

The immediate operational focus for the successful candidate includes:

  • Executing the Lagos Scheme Launch: Ensuring a successful and timely launch of the inaugural scheme cohort in Lagos by December 2025.
  • Managing Global Recruitment: Overseeing and driving the recruitment campaign for the subsequent global cohort, scheduled for a September 2026 commencement.
  • Programme Design and Delivery in Singapore: Developing and delivering the parallel programme in Singapore, ensuring it is meticulously designed to run alongside the Lagos scheme, mirroring Union Maritime’s uncompromisingly high standards and unified global approach to talent development.

Role Specification

The Graduate Programme Manager will be entrusted with comprehensive responsibility for the full programme lifecycle, with core duties including:

  • Programme Delivery Leadership: Leading the day-to-day delivery and execution of the graduate programme across both the Lagos and Singapore locations. This involves managing all logistical elements, coordinating communications, and overseeing all planned learning and development activities.
  • Parallel Programme Implementation: Building and implementing the parallel Singapore programme structure, ensuring complete and unwavering alignment with the established Lagos model and global corporate standards.
  • Central Stakeholder Management: Acting as the primary, central point of contact for all key groups, including the graduate cohort, designated line managers, the governance group, and all other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Engagement Strategy: Implementing a robust and comprehensive stakeholder engagement, training, and communications plan across all participating regions.
  • Programme Facilitation: Facilitating and managing crucial programme elements such as induction, onboarding processes, ongoing alumni activities, and continuous improvement initiatives informed by best practices.
  • Talent Nurturing and Performance Management: Ensuring that each graduate participant is adequately mentored, appropriately challenged, and consistently supported. This involves establishing clear performance management frameworks and regular, structured review cycles.
  • Reporting and Risk Management: Diligently tracking programme progress, placement outcomes, and feedback. The Manager will regularly report these metrics to the Human Resources department and the governance group, proactively escalating any emerging risks or instances of underperformance as required.
  • Recruitment Drive Oversight: Taking charge of and driving all graduate recruitment activities, encompassing application screening, the organisation of assessment centres, and conducting interviews. This campaign is scheduled to commence in December 2025/January 2026 for the September 2026 intake.
  • Rotational Programme Management: Overseeing the structure and execution of four planned 6-month cross-business rotations per graduate, ensuring broad exposure to various functions and optimal developmental opportunities.

Key Operational Timelines (Immediate Focus):

Activity

Target Month

Role Commencement & Operational Plan Handover

December 2025

Responsible for Recruitment Campaign Launch

January 2026

Lead Assessment Centre Delivery & Candidate Selection

February 2026

Oversee Full Onboarding & Induction for Graduate Intake

September 2026


Essential Experience and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a compelling track record demonstrating the capabilities required to manage this high-visibility, cross-regional role:

  • Experience Benchmark: A minimum of 8 years' professional experience in Human Resources (HR), early careers, or dedicated graduate programme management. This experience must include direct responsibility for the end-to-end cycle of programme design, build-out, and successful delivery.
  • Project Management Expertise: Demonstrated, hands-on expertise in the rigorous discipline of project management, specifically applied to early career, graduate, or rotational talent initiatives.
  • Strategic and Communication Acumen: A profile as a strategic thinker with exceptional communication skills and a proven capability to drive alignment and consensus across diverse, cross-functional teams.
  • Multi-Regional Programme Management (Preferred): Preferably, direct experience in managing large-scale programmes across multiple regions or operating within complex, matrixed organisational environments.
  • Visibility and Coordination: Proven ability to operate effectively with high corporate visibility, manage complex senior stakeholder engagement, and coordinate activities seamlessly across multiple regions.
  • Sector Background (Advantageous): Experience within the maritime sector or another complex operational environment is preferred, though this is not deemed essential.
  • Personal Qualities: The successful Manager must be ambitious, highly proactive, readily adaptable, and deeply committed to the mission of building a world-class future leadership pipeline for the organisation.

Benefits and Career Trajectory

This represents an exceptional opportunity for a highly driven individual to join a leading global shipping company during a critical and exciting juncture of its strategic growth.

The Graduate Programme Manager will become an integral part of a forward-thinking, dynamic leadership team and will hold the unique chance to directly influence the future direction of the company's long-term commercial and talent strategy.

At Union Maritime, the organisation is committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative professional environment where talent is systematically nurtured, and both personal and professional growth are vigorously encouraged.

For candidates seeking a challenging, fast-paced, and high-impact role with substantial potential for growth and development within an industry-leading global organisation, Union Maritime strongly encourages an application.


How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates who meet the specified criteria are invited to submit their applications by clicking the link provided below:

Click here to apply

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