Chief Training Officer (CTO) at a Training and Research Organization - WTS Energy

WTS Energy - Our client, a training and research organization incorporated in Nigeria as a private Limited liability company. The company is a registered and licensed member of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) and a trusted name and partner to major oil and gas companies in Nigeria.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Training Officer (CTO)

Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers
Reports: CEO/ Board of Directors

Job Summary

• The Chief Training Officer (CTO) will provide strategic leadership, ensuring academic integrity, operational excellence, and industry alignment across all the Company’s Applied Training. Institute centres.
• This role integrates training leadership, curriculum design, accreditation oversight, and business development to ensure the Institute consistently delivers world-class programs that close skill gaps across Nigeria’s industrial and technical sectors.
• The CTO will oversee the planning, execution, and quality of all training programs, manage day-to-day operations, allocate resources effectively, and implement process improvements to maintain the Institute’s position at the forefront of professional education.
• The role also involves fostering collaborations with global accreditation bodies, industry partners, and internal departments to enhance training outcomes, professional certification, and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilties
Strategic Leadership & Operations:

• Provide overall leadership for the Institute’s academic and operational frameworks across all locations.
• Develop and execute multi-year training strategies aligned with industry needs, national skill development goals, and the Institute’s vision.
• Oversee operational performance of all training centres, ensuring efficiency, resource optimization, and adherence to schedules.
• Lead initiatives to integrate digital, AI, and technology-driven approaches into curriculum design and delivery.

Curriculum Design & Training Quality:

• Lead the design, development, and continuous improvement of over 80 technical, vocational, and leadership programs.
• Oversee training quality performance, instructional effectiveness, and learner outcomes across all courses and centres.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for academic and instructional excellence.
• Ensure all training programs meet international accreditation standards and professional certification requirements.

International Accreditation & Partnerships:

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with international accreditation bodies (e.g.,OPITO, City & Guilds, IADC, IWCF, international universities. etc).
• Ensure programs remain compliant with global standards and industry best practices.
• Represent the Institute in external engagements with accreditation bodies, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Industry Alignment & Skill Gap Analysis:

• Conduct skill gap analyses across sectors and industries to inform program development and workforce readiness initiatives.
• Collaborate with industry partners and government agencies to ensure training is aligned with sectoral needs and Nigerian Content requirements.
• Lead initiatives to integrate emerging industry technologies and practices into training programs.

Business Development & Commercial Oversight:

• Collaborate with the business development team to identify training market opportunities and corporate partnerships.
• Support proposal development, program commercialization, and client relationship management with major industry players (IOCs, NCDMB, EPCs, NOC’s etc.).
• Provide strategic guidance on revenue growth, course pricing, and market expansion.

Human Capital Oversight:

• Oversee training departments, ensuring HR, PRD, and academic functions align with the Institute’s objectives.
• Ensure instructor competency and training effectiveness without direct HR administrative responsibilities.
• Mentor department heads on instructional quality, operational efficiency, and program innovation.

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure programs comply with national regulations while meeting international quality and accreditation standards.
• Provide leadership in reporting, monitoring, and auditing of training outcomes for internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience
Educational Background:

• Master’s Degree (MSc/MA) or higher in Education, Engineering, Management, or a relevant technical field.
• Professional certifications in Training & Development, Learning Management Systems, or Instructional Design are highly desirable. (e.g., CIPD, ATD, ISO 29993, CQI/IRCA Lead Auditor, or equivalent).

Experience & Expertise:

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in training management, academic leadership, or technical program delivery.
• Proven track record in designing, accrediting, and executing training programs at an international standard.
• Demonstrable experience in industrial or technical skill gap analysis and aligning training solutions to sectoral requirements.
• Hands-on experience managing multiple training centres and large-scale programs (1,000+ learners annually).
• Experience in business development, proposal writing, and industry client engagement.

Skills & Competencies:

• Proven leadership and people management capabilities to effectively oversee trainers, staff, and external stakeholders across multiple training centres.
• Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, and operational management skills, with the ability to translate industry needs into actionable training solutions.
• Deep expertise in the Energy, Maritime, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas and Construction sectors, with thorough understanding of workforce skill requirements and competency development.
• Proficiency in budget management, financial oversight, revenue forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Exceptional networking, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills.
• Expertise in digital learning, e-learning platforms, and the implementation of innovative training methodologies.
• Sound knowledge of ISO standards, quality assurance frameworks, and regulatory compliance for training programs.
• Strategic thinker with strong academic, operational, and technical acumen, capable of integrating technology into training operations.
• Strong analytical skills, adaptability, and innovative mindset to continuously improve training outcomes.
• Cross-cultural management experience, including leadership in expatriate or multinational environments.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to influence, inspire, and lead diverse teams.

Personal Attributes:

• High integrity and commitment to education and skill development.
• Proactive, results-driven, and capable of leading teams across multiple locations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on value creation and measurable impact.

Key Deliverables:

• Successful execution of training programs aligned with industry needs.
• Achievement of learner competency and international accreditation compliance.
• Revenue growth and strategic partnership development.
• High-quality training delivery and operational excellence across all centres.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online