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

Hilton; Watford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global hospitality company is offering a fast-track programme designed for aspiring Hotel General Managers. Successful candidates will embark on a comprehensive 18-month journey across the EMEA region, gaining experience in hotel operations. The programme requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree and fluency in English, with mobility essential for placements. Applications are open until December 14, 2025.

Benefits

Go Hilton Travel Program

Mentorship from GM

Qualifications

• Completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree before the programme starts in September 2026.
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing).
• Eligibility to work within the EMEA region.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured career path to becoming a Hotel GM.
• Complete two major business projects during the programme.
• Work in a minimum of two different countries during the programme.

Skills

Strong drive

Commitment

Flexibility

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree

Job description

Overview

Do you have the ambition and potential to become a Hotel General Manager (GM)?

Hilton offers this unique experience tailored to internationally mobile graduates, designed to catapult you into a Hotel GM position within 5 - 8 years of programme completion. We are offering two thrilling 9-month placements in different countries across the vibrant EMEA region. That’s an incredible 18-month journey where you will immerse yourself in the world of hotel operations, gaining comprehensive experience in all the major hotel departments.

You’ll embark on an exhilarating fast track programme, guided by a structured career path - unlocking the full scope of your abilities and maximising your full-potential. You will complete two major business projects, which will support you in your growth to becoming a GM.

Further to this, you’ll be part of our Elevator Alumni, a community that will support and inspire you throughout your career. You will gain vast opportunities to interact with our wider business, gaining insights and connections that will elevate your professional journey.

Why choose us?

Embarking on our Elevator programme is designed to equipment you with the essential foundation and knowledge necessary to ignite your path towards becoming a Hotel GM. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive learning journey that encompasses all vital aspects of the hotel’s core functions.

What you can look forward to

• Programme Induction: Start your journey with a comprehensive introduction to our programme and our broader business.
• Learning and Development: Graduates have access to Hilton University modules, on-the-job and off-the-job learning in a range of business disciplines.
• Tailored work experience: Across all functions, taking account of any previous experience.
• Personal Development Plan: Aligned to your competency and leadership capabilities.
• Support Network: Benefit from a GM mentor and a lifelong sponsor at VP level, ensuring your progress is nurtured with regular feedback.
• Feedback and Growth: Regular career development reviews will ensure Elevator’s receive guidance and an opportunity to continually improve.
• Hilton Perks: Including our Go Hilton Travel Program, which provides you with access to heavily reduced hotel room rates for you, your family & 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. Dedicated to filling the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, we have welcomed more than 3 billion guests in our more than 100-year history. We have an incredible culture which makes Hilton a great place to work and recently ranked the #1 World's Best Hospitality Workplace.

We support the mental and physical wellbeing of all Team Members, so they can Thrive, thanks to innovative programmes and benefits such as workplace flexibility, career growth and development, and our Go Hilton Team Member Travel discount programme. Hilton prioritises understanding and integrating our Team Members’ unique perspectives and voices—along with those of our Guests, Owners, Suppliers, and Partners—to cultivate a diverse and inclusive environment for all.

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

What are we looking for?

With our major global presence and ambitious growth plans, Hilton needs to develop a strong team of future GMs. We are seeking individuals who embody the Hilton Values, possess a strong drive, commitment and flexibility. Mobility holds paramount importance in this programme, as the ideal candidate is anticipated to work in a minimum of two different countries during the programme, potentially anywhere within the EMEA region, each placement lasting nine months.

To be considered you should have

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

Selection Process

We are open for applications, so please apply! Applications close on Sunday 14th December 2025.

There is a rigorous selection process that includes online assessments, a competency-based interview with a GM, and a (virtual) Assessment Centre which will take place during the week commencing 9th February 2026.

We are also thrilled to share our podcast series, Graduates in Hospitality. This series of video podcasts features current and former Hilton graduates as well as senior leaders within Hilton. The Graduates in Hospitality podcast is designed to help prospective students navigate the world of graduate programmes and provides tips for breaking into the hospitality sector. Learn more about Graduates in Hospitality.

Good luck, we are looking forward to meeting you!