Open a landmark. Shape its character. Lead it from day one.
A few minutes’ walk from Cologne Cathedral, a carefully restored listed building is about to become something new. Lighthaus Hotel Cologne will open in October 2027 as a 183-room lifestyle hotel within Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, and as the flagship of our group in Germany. Behind its historic façade you’ll find the beautifully restored Senatssaal, a restaurant, a bar and versatile event spaces.
We’re looking for the Hotel Manager who will take Lighthaus from plans and blueprints to a thriving, much-talked-about hotel. If you love building something from scratch, leading from the front and turning a strong concept into a real guest experience, we’d like to meet you. You'll start with us in February or March 2027.
What you’ll do
• Lead the opening. Steer the hotel through pre-opening and launch, working hand in
hand with the project team.
• Build your team. Recruit and develop the people who will bring Lighthaus to life, and
set the culture, standards and style of service from the very start.
• Run a great business. Own day-to-day operations and the hotel’s financial
performance, with a sharp eye on sustainable revenue, labour costs and overall
results.
• Put Lighthaus on the map. Build lasting relationships with local businesses, cultural
institutions and the wider Cologne community.
• Be the host. Set a warm, personal and distinctive tone across rooms, restaurant, bar
and events, and be a visible presence for guests and team alike.
What you bring
• Senior experience as a Hotel Manager, General Manager, Operations Manager or in a
comparable hotel leadership role.
• A track record of taking real ownership: budgets, forecasts, team and overall hotel
performance.
• A commercial, entrepreneurial mindset and a hands-on approach to sales and
business development.
• Sound judgement and a calm, organised and resilient way of working, especially under
pressure.
• Clear communication and fluent German and English.
What we offer
• The rare chance to shape a brand-new hotel from the very beginning and leave your
mark on its identity and success.
• A distinctive Tapestry Collection by Hilton concept set in a landmark listed building with
the historic Senatssaal.
• A flat organisational structure with short decision-making paths.
• An annual bonus linked to hotel targets.
• A contribution towards your Deutschlandticket.
• Up to 30 days’ annual leave, depending on length of employment.
Contact
Ready to open Lighthaus with us? We look forward to receiving your application.
Do you have any questions? If so, please feel free to contact us at +49 (0) 30 – 5858383-81. You can submit your application, including your resume and relevant certificates, directly through our applicant portal.
Contact: Birgit Ewald, Head of Human Resources
About UsThis job posting is for a position at a hotel that is owned and operated by an independent franchisee. The franchisee controls all aspects of the hotel’s employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, salary, benefits and compensation decisions, and the collection and processing of the personal data that you provide on this website. If you accept this position, you will be employed by a franchisee and not by Hilton. You will not be eligible for compensation or benefits from Hilton. You will be eligible for compensation or benefits only as may be provided to you by the independent franchisee.Skills Required
- Senior experience as a Hotel Manager, General Manager, Operations Manager, or comparable hotel leadership role
- Experience owning budgets, forecasts, teams, and overall hotel performance
- Commercial and entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach to sales and business development
- Sound judgment and a calm, organized, and resilient approach, especially under pressure
- Fluent German and English communication skills
Hilton Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — The Go Hilton travel program offers up to 110 discounted nights per year, with employee room rates as low as $40 and additional friends-and-family and on‑property dining discounts. Select programs like Thrive Sabbatical and Thrive Reset provide paid time off with stipends for personal goals or recharge.
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Retirement Support — The U.S. 401(k) match is 100% on the first 3% of pay plus 50% on the next 2%, enabling up to a 4% employer match when contributing 5%. This delivers a clear, formula-based boost to long‑term savings.
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Parental & Family Support — New parents receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave, with birthing parents receiving an additional eight weeks for a total of 12 weeks. Adoption assistance and caregiving support resources are also available.
Hilton Insights
What We Do
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 world-class brands comprising more than 9,400 properties and nearly 1.4 million rooms, in 144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 260 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone.
Why Work With Us
Hilton is proud to be recognized as the World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune. At Hilton, every job makes the stay. Team Members can make an impact, be themselves, build new skills, grow their careers, explore opportunities around the world, and enjoy people-first benefits like Go Hilton travel discounts.
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With more than 9,400 hotels and properties in 144 countries and territories, plus corporate offices and teams around the world, Hilton offers opportunities to build a career in destinations and communities worldwide.
