What would be wrong, especially wrong, I think, would be to assume that “promotion is a function of time on the job”. It shouldn’t be. Promotion should occur as your skills and talents become evident and your dedication to the job forces your employer to advance you to take advantage of you as a valuable resource. This is the way all resources should be utilized: to get the maximum return.
I would suggest questions on the order of what @elbanditoroso has suggested:
“What would you suggest is a career path in this organization for <goldfish wranglers>?”
“I don’t want to be a <goldfish wrangler> my whole life; what are the opportunities to advance in this company if I start there?”
Questions of that nature indicate your desire for self-improvement, advancement and future planning. No sensible employer would ever find that unwelcome.