After thirty years with the company, he's near the top of the ladder.
Opposite of: the bottom of the ladder
the top of the ladder
The highest position or level in an organization, field, etc. Don't think you're going to reach the top of the ladder right out of college. It takes time to work your way up.
(at) the top of the ˈtree/ˈladder
(at) the highest position in a career: Anyone can get to the top of the ladder if they try hard enough.