What is a Project Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations?

A Project Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) serves as a strategic driver behind the industry-leading vacation ownership experiences the company provides. Unlike traditional hotel management, the work at Hilton Grand Vacations involves a complex blend of hospitality, real estate development, and high-stakes sales operations. You are responsible for steering cross-functional initiatives that ensure our owners receive seamless service from the moment they consider a membership to their annual vacations at our global resorts.

In this role, you will manage the lifecycle of critical projects that impact both our corporate infrastructure and our physical properties. Whether you are overseeing a digital transformation project for our booking systems or managing a large-scale renovation at a flagship resort, your influence is felt across the entire organization. You will bridge the gap between executive strategy and operational execution, ensuring that every project aligns with the Hilton Grand Vacations mission of putting people first.

The scale of this position is significant, as Hilton Grand Vacations operates a vast network of resorts and a sophisticated membership program. You will be tasked with navigating the intricacies of a highly regulated industry while maintaining the agility required to innovate. Your success in this role directly contributes to the long-term loyalty of our members and the overall growth of our global footprint.

Common Interview Questions

Expect a mix of standard behavioral questions and industry-specific scenarios. The goal of these questions is to see how you apply project management theory to the practical realities of the Hilton Grand Vacations business model.

Behavioral & Leadership

• Tell me about a time you failed to meet a project deadline. What did you learn?
• Describe a situation where you had to manage a very difficult stakeholder.
• How do you prioritize your work when you are managing multiple high-priority projects?
• Give an example of how you motivated a discouraged team.
• Describe a time you had to change your communication style to reach a specific audience.

Project Management Methodology

• What is your preferred project management methodology, and why?
• How do you handle scope creep when it is driven by a senior executive?
• Walk me through how you conduct a project post-mortem or retrospective.
• How do you identify and track project dependencies across different departments?
• Describe your process for risk management from the planning phase through execution.

Situational & Industry

• If a resort renovation project is delayed by a supply chain issue, how do you communicate this to the resort manager?
• How would you manage a project to implement a new software tool for our sales team?
• What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the vacation ownership industry today?
• How do you ensure that a project's outcome aligns with the Hilton Grand Vacations brand standards?

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for the Project Manager role requires a dual focus on professional methodology and personal communication. Because our initial screening process is highly digitized, your ability to project confidence and clarity through technology is just as important as your technical project management toolkit.

Methodological Expertise – We look for a deep understanding of project management frameworks such as Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid models. You should be prepared to discuss how you select the right methodology for a specific business outcome at Hilton Grand Vacations. Demonstrating your ability to manage budgets, timelines, and resource allocation is essential.

Stakeholder Influence – In our collaborative environment, you must navigate diverse perspectives from sales leaders, resort managers, and IT specialists. Interviewers evaluate your ability to build consensus and manage expectations across different levels of seniority. Be ready to provide examples of how you have successfully influenced stakeholders without direct authority.

Adaptability and Resilience – The hospitality and vacation ownership industry is dynamic and subject to rapid shifts. We value candidates who can remain composed under pressure and pivot project plans when faced with unforeseen obstacles. Your ability to demonstrate a "solution-oriented" mindset during behavioral questions is a key indicator of success.

Brand Alignment – Hilton Grand Vacations is built on a legacy of world-class service. We look for candidates who embody our core values and understand how project management supports the ultimate "owner experience." Showing that you have researched our business model and understand our unique position in the market will set you apart.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Project Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations is designed for efficiency and high-volume screening, reflecting our fast-paced corporate culture. You should expect a process that moves quickly, often beginning within hours or days of your initial application. The early stages are heavily focused on digital assessment, allowing us to evaluate a large pool of talent while identifying those who can communicate effectively in a virtual environment.

As you progress, the rigor increases, moving from automated screens to more traditional, in-depth discussions with hiring managers and potential teammates. While the digital start may feel impersonal, it is a critical test of your ability to follow instructions, handle technical platforms, and present a professional image without the immediate feedback of a live interviewer. Success in this process requires a high degree of self-motivation and attention to detail from the very first interaction.

The timeline above illustrates the typical progression from application to final decision. It highlights the importance of the initial on-demand video stage, which acts as the primary filter for all Project Manager candidates. Candidates should plan to be "interview-ready" immediately after submitting their resume, as the turnaround for the first stage is often near-instantaneous.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

On-Demand Video Performance

The first major hurdle is the automated video interview. This stage evaluates your verbal communication, professional presence, and ability to synthesize information under time constraints. Because you are recording answers to pre-set questions, your "soft skills" are under a microscope.

Be ready to go over:

• Clarity of Speech – Your ability to articulate complex project concepts simply and directly.
• Professionalism – Maintaining eye contact with the camera and presenting a polished image.
• Time Management – Answering questions thoroughly within the allotted 2-3 minute windows.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell us about a project you managed from start to finish and the impact it had."
• "How do you handle a situation where a project is falling behind schedule?"
• "Why are you interested in the vacation ownership industry specifically?"

Project Lifecycle & Governance

For those who move past the digital screen, the focus shifts to your technical proficiency. We need to know that you can handle the administrative and strategic rigors of managing high-value projects.

Be ready to go over:

• Risk Mitigation – How you identify, track, and resolve risks before they become issues.
• Budgeting and Forecasting – Your experience managing project financials and reporting variances.
• Reporting Tools – Proficiency in tools like Smartsheet, Jira, or Microsoft Project to maintain transparency.
• Advanced concepts – Resource leveling, critical path analysis, and vendor contract management.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a time you had to deliver bad news regarding a project's budget to a senior executive."
• "Walk us through your process for defining project scope and preventing scope creep."
• "How do you ensure project deliverables meet the quality standards of a luxury brand?"

Conflict Resolution & Leadership

As a Project Manager, you are often the "connective tissue" between conflicting departments. We evaluate your emotional intelligence and your ability to lead through influence rather than mandate.

Be ready to go over:

• Negotiation – Finding middle ground when stakeholders have competing priorities.
• Team Motivation – Keeping a project team engaged during long-term or difficult initiatives.
• Decision Making – How you use data versus intuition when faced with an ambiguous problem.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a team member. How did you resolve it?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to lead a project team that you didn't directly manage."
• "How do you handle a stakeholder who is resistant to the changes your project is introducing?"

Key Responsibilities

As a Project Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations, your primary responsibility is to ensure that assigned projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the specified quality standards. You will act as the central point of contact for all project-related activities, from initial feasibility studies to post-launch evaluations. You are expected to maintain a high-level view of the project’s strategic goals while simultaneously managing the granular details of daily execution.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of this role. You will regularly partner with departments such as IT, Marketing, Legal, and Resort Operations to gather requirements and ensure alignment. Your daily work involves leading stand-up meetings, updating project dashboards, and preparing status reports for the Project Management Office (PMO) or executive leadership. You are not just a task-tracker; you are a problem-solver who proactively removes roadblocks for your team.

Typical projects might include the rollout of a new member digital portal, the integration of a newly acquired resort property into the Hilton Grand Vacations network, or the implementation of new compliance standards across our sales centers. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all project documentation is complete and archived according to company standards, providing a roadmap for future initiatives.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

A successful candidate for the Project Manager position must demonstrate a blend of formal certification and practical, "in-the-trenches" experience. We value candidates who have managed projects in complex, consumer-facing industries.

• Technical Skills – Expert-level proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet). Strong command of the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for executive presentations.
• Experience Level – Typically 3–7 years of professional project management experience. A background in hospitality, real estate, or financial services is highly preferred due to the nature of our business.
• Soft Skills – Exceptional verbal and written communication. High level of organization and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously without losing focus on detail.

Must-have skills:

• PMP or CAPM certification (or equivalent experience).
• Proven track record of managing project budgets exceeding $500k.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a corporate environment.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Agile/Scrum certification (CSM).
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM integrations.
• Knowledge of the vacation ownership (timeshare) industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly should I complete the on-demand video interview? The link is often sent immediately after you apply. You should aim to complete it within 24 to 48 hours. While the email may suggest a longer window, the most competitive candidates respond quickly to demonstrate their interest and agility.

Q: What is the most important thing to focus on during the video screen? Clarity and conciseness. Since there is no interviewer to ask follow-up questions, you must ensure your initial answer is complete and directly addresses the prompt. Practice your "STAR" method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories beforehand.

Q: How much technical project management knowledge is required? You should be very comfortable with the fundamentals of the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge). While you don't need to be a developer, you must understand the language of the teams you are managing, whether they are in IT or Construction.

Q: What is the culture like for Project Managers at HGV? The culture is professional and results-oriented. There is a high expectation for accountability, but there is also a strong sense of pride in the brand. You will find that people are passionate about the "vacation" aspect of our business.

Other General Tips

• Test Your Tech Early: As soon as you receive the link for a video interview, click it to ensure your browser and camera are compatible. Do not wait until the last minute, as technical issues are not always an excuse for a late submission.

• Research the Business Model: Hilton Grand Vacations is a separate entity from Hilton Hotels. Understanding the difference between a standard hotel stay and vacation ownership (points-based systems, deeds, etc.) will make your answers much more relevant.

• Prepare Your Environment: For the recorded interview, ensure you have a neutral background and good lighting. Small details like these signal to the hiring team that you take the professional image of the company seriously.

• Quantify Your Achievements: When discussing past projects, use hard numbers. Mentioning that you "reduced project delivery time by 15%" or "managed a $2M budget with zero variance" provides the concrete evidence our hiring managers look for.

Summary & Next Steps

The Project Manager role at Hilton Grand Vacations is a high-impact position that sits at the intersection of luxury hospitality and strategic business execution. It offers the opportunity to lead complex, meaningful work that defines the vacation experiences of thousands of families. While the interview process is fast-paced and relies heavily on digital screening in the early stages, it is designed to find candidates who are organized, tech-savvy, and ready to hit the ground running.

To succeed, focus your preparation on mastering the "one-way" video interview and refining your stories of stakeholder management and project governance. By demonstrating both your technical expertise and your alignment with the Hilton Grand Vacations values, you will position yourself as a top-tier candidate. Remember that your journey through the interview process is your first "project" with us—manage it with the same precision and professionalism you would bring to the job.

The compensation for this role typically includes a competitive base salary and a performance-based bonus structure, reflecting the strategic importance of project delivery to our bottom line. When reviewing salary data, consider your years of experience and the specific location of the role, as these factors will influence the final offer. For more detailed insights into the interview experience and community-sourced data, you can explore further resources on Dataford.