- Franchise

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 This 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.