10 Years of Hilton: A Decade Well Spent
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was at work, deep into something else entirely, when the phone rang. It was a former boss and a good friend.
"Nig, Hilton has an opening for a Procurement Manager."
I put down what I was doing, dug out my CV, and applied within minutes. No hesitation, no overthinking, just a quiet feeling that this was worth chasing.
My career had already introduced me to some prestigious brands, but Hilton was different. To me, it had always symbolised the pinnacle of hospitality in Malta. That call felt less like an opportunity and more like a door finally opening.
My wife picked me up from work, and I changed into a suit in the car, a small comedy of its own, since suits were not exactly standard uniform at my earlier job. I straightened my tie in the side mirror and walked in. Fortunately, Hilton hired me, and the journey began in October 2016.
My first impression was of a successful hotel shaped by a fantastic team, a blend of long-standing Hilton veterans and younger talent. Mentioning Hilton in Malta is, in itself, a statement, and I quickly understood that this reputation was earned by the many professionals behind it. I spent my first day alongside a colleague who made me feel at home from the moment I entered the office. Later that year, a long-term work friend joined the team too, and that meant a lot.
Understanding, 2016–2020
The first phase was the most challenging. Hospitality does not let you slow down, take stock, plan, and implement at your own pace. You adapt quickly and make changes while the train is moving at full speed. My first decision was to build a relationship with everyone in the procurement team, grounded in trust and mutual respect. A sense of togetherness formed quickly, like a real family.
Along the way I came to believe that procurement works best as a partnership with suppliers, where both sides feel the deal is worthwhile. A fair, win-win relationship is the one that lasts.
COVID-19, the turning point
The pandemic took its toll on the whole industry. One day we were running at full speed; the next, we were shutting down. From a professional perspective, though, this period boosted my career in two ways. First, with support from the Malta Tourism Authority's e-learning scheme, I pursued a Master's in Management, specialising in Project Management, and graduated in December 2023. Second, our General Manager's motto, "We will come back stronger," turned the shutdown into a time to rethink and work on back-burner projects. I took on new responsibilities, centralised our contracted services under one platform, and gained full visibility of our commitments. I am grateful to my direct boss and my General Manager, who gave me the trust and space to grow.
Two properties, one strategy
In 2023, the Dolmen Hotel in Qawra joined the Hilton family as Doubletree by Hilton. Hard work pays off, but I also believe in destiny, and being handed a second hotel was music to my ears. In November 2023, I became Cluster Procurement Manager for Hilton Malta and Doubletree by Hilton Malta.
The transition was not cosmetic. Within the remit of the procurement responsabilities, we redesigned stores, upgraded equipment and cold rooms, aligned processes with Hilton policies, and integrated a new stock control and procurement platform. In April 2024, Doubletree opened its doors. Seeing the sign light up the façade was a proud moment, and it was thanks to a fantastic team and many people who gave their heart and soul.
Consistency should never be a mirror of mediocrity
Ten years in, I have learned that consistency matters, but only when it keeps you moving forward. Procurement is more than buying. At its best it means planning, building strong relationships with business partners, protecting the bottom line, and staying loyal to the company. Even straightforward purchases deserve a question: can we do this better?
Ten years later
I cherish these ten years at Hilton. I have grown, personally and professionally, and I am humbled by the trust placed in me. I have always tried to repay it with hard work and dedication.
Every morning, ask yourself how you feel as you get ready for work. If you feel good, you are in the right place. If you love what you do and share your company's values, it can never be boring.
I cannot read the future, but I know where I am today. I still have dreams and targets, and I leave the trajectory to destiny. For now, I will keep striving to be a better version of myself every day.
Excited about the future, and deeply grateful for the past ten years: it was truly a decade well spent.
Thank you, Hilton family.
Views expressed are my own.