At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Graduate Management Programme and gain hands-on experience in luxury hospitality.
- Company: Red Carnation Hotels, a family-owned collection of luxury hotels across the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland.
- Benefits: Earn £33,000 OTE, enjoy 28+ days holiday, free meals, and fantastic discounts.
- Other info: Direct access to CEO, mentoring support, and permanent management opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Build a leadership career with purpose and passion in an award-winning environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant degree or 12 months industry experience; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 33000 £ per year.
Graduate Management Programme - Luxury Hotel
£33,000 OTE per annum, plus other exciting benefits and perks!
- Holiday allowance starting at 28 days and increasing with length of service up to 36 days.
- Delicious free meals on duty.
- Professional, award-winning learning and development opportunities from day one.
- Fantastic recommend a friend and family bonus scheme worth up to £600.
- 50% off on food and 25% off on beverages in selected Red Carnation Hotels F&B outlets.
- Two paid volunteering days each year.
- Access to immediate Employee Assistance Programme.
- Vibrant hotel recognition events every month and hotel-based incentives (Employee of the Month / Manager of the Quarter).
- Social and team building events.
- Complimentary quality uniform and dry-cleaning services.
- Enhanced paid maternity leave & paternity leave.
Red Carnation Hotels invites ambitious individuals to apply for our Graduate Management Programme (MP) – an award-winning development pathway designed to nurture future leaders who lead with heart, integrity and purpose. Our Management Programme is built around our HEART values, ensuring our future leaders grow not only in capability, but in character.
How does it work? Our structured programme offers hands-on operational experience, leadership development and business exposure across our hotels, ensuring you understand what exceptional hospitality looks like at every level.
- Rooms Division – 12 months
- Housekeeping
- Concierge
- Nights
- Reception
- Reservations
- Food & Beverage – 12 months
- Room Service
- Kitchen
- Events
- Restaurant
- Bar
You will develop a deep understanding of guest experience, learning how attention to detail, warmth and consistency create unforgettable stays. You will work alongside passionate teams to deliver outstanding service, learning how collaboration, communication and leadership drive high-performing operations.
To support your development, you will participate in our award-winning learning and development trainings, as well as exposure to our central support departments, to enable you to emerge as a capable manager upon completion of the programme.
Other highlights at a glance:
- Direct access to CEO, Mr Jonathan Raggett.
- Mentoring support with a senior member of the Management or Executive Team.
- Experience London and one other destination - Ireland, Guernsey, Switzerland or Scotland (must be able to speak fluent French).
- Permanent operational management opportunities when you are ready.
Many of our senior managers came through the programme and others are now:
- Front Office Managers
- Restaurant Managers
- Operations Managers
- Deputy General Managers
- General Managers
- Hotel Managers
- Executive Assistants
- Food & Beverage Managers
Who We’re Looking For? We are seeking individuals who naturally align with our HEART values and demonstrate leadership potential. To join the programme, you will need:
- A relevant degree and/or a minimum of 12 months’ related industry experience
- A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences
- A desire to grow, learn and take on responsibility
- Strong attention to detail and pride in doing things well
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
- Eligibility to work in the UK/Ireland or Switzerland
What’s next? Apply online today for our 2027 cohort! Applications close October 2026. We will be in touch by November 2026. You will take part in a two-step process: an individual online interview and if successful, an assessment day in January 2027. Opportunities to commence the programme from March to November 2027.
If you have any questions please contact our Talent Development Officer, Arella Warner for more details.
Why Red Carnation Hotels? A people-first culture built on HEART. Red Carnation Hotels is a family-owned collection of luxury hotels and restaurants across the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, and Southern Africa. We are proud to be recognised not only for exceptional guest experiences, but for our commitment to developing and supporting our people.
- Top Employer Award (2026)
- Catey Award for Best Employer (2025)
- AA's Hotel Group of the Year (2024)
At Red Carnation Hotels, we develop leaders from within and believe careers should be built with purpose, passion and pride.
- Leads with Hospitality – creating meaningful experiences for guests and colleagues
- Strives for Excellence – setting high standards and leading by example
- Demonstrates Aspiration – showing ambition, curiosity and a desire to progress
- Acts with Respect – valuing people, perspectives and inclusive leadership
- Champions Teamwork – building trust, collaboration and shared success
Red Carnation Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Graduate Management Programme - UK, Ireland & Switzerland employer: Red Carnation Hotels Central Office
Red Carnation Hotels is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees through a vibrant, people-first culture rooted in HEART values. With award-winning learning and development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to community engagement, employees are empowered to build meaningful careers in luxury hospitality while enjoying unique perks such as discounts at our hotels and direct access to senior leadership. Join us to embark on a rewarding journey where your passion for hospitality can flourish in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Red Carnation Hotels Central Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Management Programme - UK, Ireland & Switzerland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Red Carnation Hotels on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the Graduate Management Programme. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to hospitality and leadership. Think about how you embody the HEART values and be ready to share examples from your past experiences. We want to see your passion for exceptional guest experiences!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your personality during the assessment day! Be yourself, engage with others, and demonstrate your teamwork skills. Remember, we’re looking for future leaders who align with our values, so let your character shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key in the hospitality industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Management Programme - UK, Ireland & Switzerland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. We want to see your enthusiasm and how you align with our HEART values.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Graduate Management Programme. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red Carnation Hotels Central Office
✨Know Your HEART Values
Before the interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Red Carnation Hotels' HEART values: Hospitality, Excellence, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values, as they are crucial for the Graduate Management Programme.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Hospitality
During the interview, express your genuine passion for the hospitality industry. Share specific stories about times you've gone above and beyond to create exceptional guest experiences. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Prepare for Situational Questions
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving and leadership skills. Practice answering questions like, 'How would you handle a difficult guest?' or 'Describe a time when you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal.' Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the programme and the company culture. This shows your interest and enthusiasm. You might ask about the mentoring process or how success is measured in the programme. It’s a great way to demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow.
