Summary
Hilton is recruiting graduates for its 18-month EMEA Hotel Leadership Graduate Programme, with two nine-month placements in different countries. Participants rotate through hotel operations and departments including food and beverage, front office, housekeeping, human resources, finance, procurement and commercial functions, while completing two business projects and receiving training and mentoring. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree by 1 September 2027, be fluent in English, be eligible to work in EMEA, and be willing to relocate; full-time employment begins on that date. Starting salaries for EU placements range from €21,500 to €40,000, with separate locally determined salaries in the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden; applications close on 13 December 2026.
The posting
As published on hilton.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You
As a participant in our EMEA Hotel Leadership Graduate Programme (Elevator), you’re not just accelerating your development into a future hotel leader – you’re spreading the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering memorable experiences that make the stay for every guest.
Here’s what you can look forward to as a programme participant:
- Accelerate your future in hotel leadership through immersive experience: Embark on a dynamic 18-month development journey comprised of two 9-month placements in different countries within the EMEA region, designed to fast-track your path to a General Manager role in one of our hotels within 5–8 years of programme completion
- Gain hands-on experience across departments: Rotate through Operations (including Food & Drink, Front Office, Housekeeping and Hotel Support Services), Human Resources, Finance, Procurement, and Commercial departments (including Groups, Conference and Events, Marketing, and Revenue)
- Work on real-world projects: Apply your skills on the job through the completion of two major business projects, which will support you in your growth to becoming a General Manager
- Develop your skills through world-class training and support: Access Hilton University’s e-learning modules, and business library while building knowledge through group modules and business-driven projects; Participate in tailored learning programmes and follow a flexible personal development plan designed to grow your technical and leadership capabilities
Grow with personalised guidance and mentoring: Benefit from regular feedback and coaching while working closely with a dedicated GM-level mentor, a peer buddy from a previous Elevator programme class, and a VP-level sponsor to ensure your progress is supported at every stage of the programme
Click here to learn more about the Elevator Programme
What We’re Looking For
With our major global presence and ambitious growth plans, Hilton is developing a strong team of future Hotel General Managers. We are seeking curious, driven, and flexible individuals who embody the Hilton Values and are ready to grow their careers across borders.
- Completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree by the start of the programme (1st September 2027)
- Fluency in English (spoken and written)
- Eligibility to work within the EMEA region
- Full mobility across the EMEA region and a willingness to relocate as required
- Aspiration to become a future Hotel General Manager
Availability to begin full-time employment on 1st September 2027
Selection Process
Applications are now open—don’t miss your chance to apply! Submissions close on Sunday 13th December 2026.
Our selection process is designed to bring out your best and help us get to know you. It includes:
- Online assessments
- One-way video interview
- Competency-based interview with a Hilton Hotel General Manager
- Virtual Assessment Centre (February 2027)
While the process is rigorous, it’s also the first step in your personal growth journey with Hilton. If selected, you’ll begin developing the skills, connections, and confidence to thrive in your career.
Due to the high number of applications, our screening process may take a little longer than usual. Every application is carefully reviewed by a member of our recruitment team, without the use of AI. To ensure every application receives fair consideration, invitations to final stages of selection will be issued after applications have closed. Thank you for your patience, we’ll be in touch as soon as there’s an update. Please keep an eye on your inbox and junk folder too, so you don’t miss any messages from us.
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require any support or adjustments during the recruitment process or to carry out the essential requirements of the role, please contact us.
Salary is determined by the placement location. For placements within the EU, starting salaries range from €21,500 to €40,000, with separate locally determined salaries applying in the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden. The salary for each placement location is fixed and is not subject to individual negotiation. If a participant moves to another placement location during the programme, the salary applicable to that location will apply.