Catering and Conference Services Manager

Graduate Hotels; Oxford (MS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Graduate Oxford in Oxford, MS seeks a Catering and Conference Services Manager to lead the planning and execution of group meetings, events, and catering functions on-site. The role oversees the full event cycle, from initial client contact to post-event follow-up, coordinating with sales, culinary, banquet, and operations teams to ensure precise specifications and exceptional service.

The position requires strong organizational skills, experience in hotel or venue management, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute group meetings, events, and catering functions from initial client contact through on-site execution.
• Coordinate with sales, culinary, banquet, and operations teams to ensure accurate event specifications and seamless service delivery.
• Prepare and review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), conduct pre- and post-event meetings, monitor event setup, and maintain strong client relationships.

Job description

Company Description

Graduate Hotels by Hilton offers spirited stays in college towns, blending university traditions, local charm, and pop culture nostalgia into uniquely designed properties. With 30+ locations across the U.S. and U.K., Graduate hotels provide a distinctive guest experience rooted in each community’s character. Team members join a creative, hospitality-driven environment that values originality and warm, memorable service. As part of the Hilton family, Graduate offers access to broader career opportunities and resources across the portfolio. To explore additional roles at other Graduate locations, visit jobs.hilton.com.

Role Description

The Catering and Conference Services Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Oxford, MS, responsible for planning and executing group meetings, events, and catering functions at Graduate Oxford. This position manages the entire event cycle, including initial client contact, needs assessment, proposal development, contract detailing, and on-site execution. The manager coordinates with sales, culinary, banquet, and operations teams to ensure accurate event specifications, seamless service delivery, and adherence to brand standards. Daily responsibilities include preparing Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), conducting pre- and post-event meetings, monitoring event setup, and serving as the primary contact for clients before, during, and after events. The role also includes forecasting and tracking event revenue, managing budgets, and maintaining strong relationships with repeat and new business accounts.

Qualifications

• Experience in event planning and meeting planning, with the ability to design and execute a variety of corporate, social, and university-related functions.
• Proficiency in convention services and conference services, including detailing events, preparing BEOs, and coordinating with internal hotel teams.
• Strong commitment to customer satisfaction, with demonstrated skills in client communication, relationship management, and problem resolution.
• Knowledge of catering operations, banquet service standards, and basic food and beverage concepts.
• Prior experience in hotel, hospitality, or venue management in a similar catering or conference services role preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple events and timelines simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to clients and team members.
• Proficiency with event management or property management systems and standard office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work on-site in Oxford, MS, with flexibility to support events on evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.