corporate ladder
noun[C,usually singular]
ukusaseriesofincreasinglyimportantjobsthat someone can do within acompany:
move up/climb the corporate ladderIf womenwanttoclimbthecorporateladder, they may have tosacrificesome oftheirfamilylife.
the top/bottom of the corporate ladderGoing tobusinessschoolis nolongerconsideredanessentialrungon the way to thetopof thecorporateladder.
See also
career ladder