Are you exploring your career options or considering an alternative to university? Why not kickstart your career in hospitality with the De Vere Emerging Leader Programme?
At De Vere Cotswold Water Park, our Emerging Leader Programme is designed for individuals who are passionate about hospitality, events, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. This structured development programme will give you the skills, experience, and confidence to begin a successful career in the industry.
About the Programme
The programme runs for 15-18 months, during which you will gain hands-on experience across a range of departments that make a large hotel and events venue run smoothly.
By the end of the programme, you will have developed the skills and knowledge required to progress into your first supervisory role within hospitality. You will also have the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor apprenticeship qualification (if you don't already hold one).
Programme Structure
You will begin with a 6-month foundation phase, rotating through six core departments: Conference & Events, Bar, Restaurant, Reception, Housekeeping, and Kitchen. This will give you a well-rounded understanding of hotel operations. Following this, you will complete two additional 3-month rotations—one aligned with business needs and one based on your personal interests—where you will begin to develop your supervisory skills and take on more responsibility.
In the final 3-6 months, you will specialise in your chosen department, focusing on building the expertise needed for your future career path.
Throughout the programme, you will be supported by a dedicated mentor and take part in development days alongside other Emerging Leaders, as well as additional training and qualifications.
Start Date & Working Hours
This is a full-time programme starting on Tuesday 1st September 2026. Due to the nature of hospitality, you will work a variety of shifts including early mornings (from 6am), evenings, and late finishes (up to 2am for events), across weekdays and weekends.
The Pay & Benefits:
In addition to a structured and supportive development programme, you will receive:
• £26,728 per annum (to be reviewed in April 2027)
• A £1,000 completion bonus and bespoke gift upon finishing the programme / your apprenticeship
• A friendly and inclusive working environment where individuality is valued
• An additional paid day off for your birthday, plus a £20 Love2Shop voucher
• Complimentary 2-night stay at a De Vere property for your employment anniversary, plus long service rewards and staff room rates from £50 per night
• Free meals whilst on duty
De Vere Cotswold Water Park: nestled at the edge of the Cotswolds right in the heart of 180 lakes, the Hotel offers stylish accommodation with breathtaking views and has 328 bedrooms and apartments. There are 15 flexible meeting and event spaces and 2 large conference and banqueting suites hosting up to 800. With three restaurants and bars we have a buzzing Food & Beverage team here, but also have exciting opportunities across our other departments including Conference & Events, Reception/Front of House, Spa & Leisure, Kitchen, Housekeeping and Maintenance.
Your commute: we're well served by public transport, and we're just 20 minutes from J15 of the M4 and J11A of the M5.
At De Vere, we warmly welcome everyone and foster a sense of belonging, where each person is valued and appreciated. Join our team and become part of a passionate group of individuals who genuinely care about the experiences we create for our guests and colleagues.
