At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and oversee a variety of exciting events at a historic college.
- Company: St Edmund Hall, a vibrant college in the heart of Oxford.
- Benefits: 32 days annual leave, free lunch, and subsidised transport schemes.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make memorable events happen every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in event management and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Based in the heart of Oxford on Queen’s Lane, St Edmund Hall is a vibrant and historic college with a diverse community of students, Fellows and staff.
The College hosts a wide range of internal and external events throughout the year, including formal dinners, conferences, summer schools, weddings and visitor accommodation.
The Conference & Events Manager will play a key and highly visible role within the College, overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Conference and Events Office and acting as the principal point of contact for College dining and events.
The successful candidate will work closely with students, Fellows, staff and external clients to ensure events are planned and delivered to a consistently high standard.
The role also has a strong commercial development focus, with responsibility for identifying new business opportunities, developing relationships with new and existing clients, maximising the use of College facilities and contributing to increased commercial income.
The postholder will be responsible for overseeing events from initial enquiry and planning through to delivery, financial administration and follow-up.
You will have significant experience of managing conferences, events, hospitality or commercial operations in a customer-focused environment, together with excellent organisational, communication and relationship management skills.
You will be confident managing competing priorities, leading and supporting staff, working with a wide range of stakeholders and responding calmly and professionally to changing circumstances.
Experience of working within the Oxford collegiate system, higher education or a heritage venue would be advantageous, as would experience of marketing events and using booking or event management systems such as Kinetics and University Rooms.
- 32 days’ annual leave, comprising 24 working days plus 8 public holidays, with additional leave after 5 years’ service.
- Additional leave during the Christmas and New Year closure period.
- Free lunch whilst on duty when the College kitchen is open.
- Subsidised bus pass, rail and cycle schemes.
- Electric vehicle scheme.
- Free annual flu vaccination.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Discounts across University and College facilities.
- Access to University museums, libraries, the Botanic Garden and other facilities.
- Membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- A Cover Sheet detailing the names and contact details of two referees.
- A current CV.
- A covering letter explaining how they meet the selection criteria for the post.
Interviews are expected to be held in Oxford on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
The Equal Opportunities policy of the College requires that all staff are offered equal opportunities within employment.
Entry into employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the post.
Disability Support
The College welcomes applications from candidates who have a disability or long-term health condition and is committed to providing long-term support.
Please let us know if you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, including documents such as job descriptions in large print, audio or other formats, or if you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process.
Any such information will be held separately from your recruitment application and will not be considered as part of the selection process.
Recruitment Monitoring
Please also consider completing the online Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form .
Submission of this form is voluntary and does not form part of the selection process, but we would be grateful if you are willing to return it with your application to assist us with our equal opportunity monitoring.
Right to Work in UK
Please note that St Edmund Hall is unable to sponsor a visa for this post. Applicants must therefore already have the right to work in the UK.
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Conference and Events Manager in Oxford employer: St Edmund Hall
St Edmund Hall in Oxford is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within a professional kitchen environment. With comprehensive training opportunities and benefits like free meals and annual leave, employees are supported in their growth while contributing to the culinary experiences of students and events in a historic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conference and Events Manager in Oxford
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
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Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
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✨Reach Out Directly to St Edmund Hall
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We think you need these skills to ace Conference and Events Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about St Edmund Hall and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Edmund Hall
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
