2026 Hilton Elevator Hotel Leadership Graduate Programme - Europe, Middle East & Africa

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global hospitality company is offering a unique graduate programme designed to propel candidates into a Hotel General Manager position within 5–8 years. The programme includes immersive placements across the EMEA region, extensive learning and development opportunities, and mentorship support. Candidates must hold a relevant degree and possess fluency in English, with a strong commitment to mobility and a desire to advance in the hospitality field.

Benefits

Access to discounted hotel rates

Mentorship from GM

Qualifications

• Completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree before September 2026.
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing).
• Eligibility to work within the EMEA region.
• Full mobility across the EMEA region and willingness to relocate.
• Desire to become a Hotel GM.
• Availability to start full-time employment in September 2026.

Responsibilities

• Participate in two 9-month placements in different countries.
• Engage in comprehensive training and development.
• Work on major business projects supporting progression towards GM.

Skills

Fluency in English

Commitment

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

Overview

Job Description - 2026 Hilton Elevator Hotel Leadership Graduate Programme - Europe, Middle East & Africa (EUR015MD)

Hilton offers a unique experience tailored to internationally mobile graduates, designed to accelerate you into a Hotel General Manager (GM) position within 5–8 years of programme completion. The programme includes two 9-month placements in different countries across the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region, for a total of 18 months of immersive hotel operations experience across major departments.

You will follow a structured career path with two major business projects to support your progression toward GM. You will also become part of the Elevator Alumni community, with opportunities to interact with the wider business and gain insights and connections throughout your career.

Benefits and Career Path

• Programme Induction: comprehensive introduction to the programme and our business.
• Learning and Development: access to Hilton University modules and on-the-job and off-the-job learning across business disciplines.
• Tailored work experience across all functions, accounting for any previous experience.
• Personal Development Plan aligned to your competency and leadership capabilities.
• Support Network: GM mentor and a lifelong sponsor at VP level, with regular feedback.
• Feedback and Growth: regular career development reviews to guide progression.
• Hilton Perks: including the Go Hilton Travel Program with access to heavily reduced hotel room rates for you, family, and friends.

What is it like working for Hilton?

The future of hospitality is bright at Hilton, a leading global hospitality company with a diverse portfolio of world-class brands. Hilton values a welcoming culture and has been recognized as a top workplace. We support the mental and physical wellbeing of all Team Members with flexible working options, career growth and development, and the Go Hilton Team Member Travel discount program. Hilton is committed to diversity and inclusion and provides reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process and in the role where required.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with protected disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking individuals who embody the Hilton Values, with a strong drive, commitment, and flexibility. Mobility is essential for this programme, with expected work in a minimum of two different countries during the programme (each placement lasting nine months) within the EMEA region.

To be considered you should have:

• Completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree before September 2026.
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing). A second language is an advantage but not essential.
• Eligibility to work within the EMEA region.
• Full mobility across the EMEA region and willingness to relocate as required by Hilton for both placements.
• A desire to become a Hotel GM. Prior experience in a hotel or hospitality role is advantageous but not essential.
• Availability to start full-time employment in September 2026.

Selection Process

Applications are open. Applications close on Sunday 14 December 2025. The selection process includes online assessments, a competency-based interview with a GM, and a virtual Assessment Centre during the week commencing 9 February 2026.

We also invite you to explore our podcast series, “Graduates in Hospitality,” featuring current and former Hilton graduates and senior leaders. The series provides insights and tips for navigating graduate programmes.

Good luck

We look forward to meeting you.