learning how to lead
The Ultimate Leaders Programme (ULP)
The Ultimate Leaders Programme is Dorchester Collection’s 12-month leadership development programme designed to grow and accelerate the careers of future hospitality industry leaders.
Marina Kawarazaki, Sarang Verma and Carolina Sarmento
Marina Kawarazaki, Sarang Verma and Carolina Sarmento
In this video, Marina Kawarazaki, Talent Attraction and Employer Branding Manager based at the corporate office, gives an overview of the ULP. She is also joined by one current and one graduate ULP: Sarang Verma and Carolina Sarmento, who share their individual journeys.
Read on for more information about the Ultimate Leaders Programme
Getting started
Dorchester Collection strives to attract passionate individuals to its Ultimate Leaders Programme: creativity and a guest-centric mindset are what really count.
While many of our talented ULPs are recruited externally, we also have participants who have been with the company for a number of years and are looking to develop their skills and take their next step into a leadership role. By joining the ULP, they gain valuable tools to be able to support their teams to deliver the ultimate guest experience.
A holistic approach
Our ULPs benefit from a range of learning approaches whilst on rotation in supervisory roles across the business.
Technical and on-the-job learning and development courses at hotel and corporate-office levels are some of the ways we support our growing talent, Our ULPs have the unique opportunity to network with leaders at their properties as well as in the corporate office. When they join, they are assigned a buddy and a mentor to act as a point of reference for any guidance they need throughout the journey. These support networks and provide exposure to decision-making at the senior level – just some of the ways the Ultimate Leaders Programme provides the operational skills and leadership experience to accelerate career development.
Our ULPs are also tasked with developing business cases for departmental improvements, giving them a platform to showcase their innovation and creativity. We have just received the 2024 submissions and can’t wait to share them with you all in Legends.
Graduation day from leadership training in Switzerland
Chef Anton Mosimann sharing his special risotto recipe
Programme participants swap ideas
Learning to be leaders
Future leaders, future legends
Some of Dorchester Collection’s leaders have gone through the programme since its inception 12 years ago. Many have progressed across the Collection as well as upwards in their career, highlighting the rich and varied opportunities the programme offers.
At Dorchester Collection, we are very proud of our ULPs and strive to continue to attract exceptional individuals to join the programme and develop them to be the hospitality leaders of tomorrow, guided by our values of passion, personality, respect, working together and creativity.
We hope that the future leaders among you feel inspired to apply. For further information on the application process, please contact your People & Culture department.