Job Description

Salary: $75000 - $80000 / year

Other Forms of Compensation: bonus 

What makes FLIK click

What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.

 

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary

The External Sales Manager is responsible for leading all non-university (external) sales efforts for the Charles F. Knight Center at Washington University. This role will focus on driving new business, expanding market presence, and managing all external inquiries related to meeting space, catering services, and hotel accommodations. The ideal candidate is a proactive, relationship-driven sales professional who thrives on prospecting and growing accounts, while working collaboratively with internal partners to maximize revenue opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Client Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all external meeting, catering, and lodging inquiries.
• Qualify leads, create tailored proposals, conduct site visits, and close bookings with a focus on corporate, nonprofit, government, and association clients.
• Maintain and grow existing external accounts while actively identifying new contacts within those organizations for additional business and referrals.
• Manage the sales cycle from prospect to contract in coordination with the event services and operations teams.

Prospecting & Business Development

• Conduct outbound sales efforts including cold calls, email campaigns, LinkedIn outreach, and attending community events to generate new business.
• Strategically canvas local companies, associations, and organizations to grow awareness and drive bookings.
• Utilize CRM tools to track outreach efforts, monitor booking pace, and manage follow-up tasks.
• Collaboration & Strategic Planning
• Partner with the Internal Sales Manager and Regional Director of Sales to:
• Identify and target need dates and booking patterns.
• Coordinate outreach efforts to ensure a balanced mix of internal and external business.
• Develop strategic sales plans to grow long-term external group revenue.

Community Engagement

• Attend at least one networking or industry event per month to promote the Knight Center and maintain visibility within the St. Louis business community.
• Act as a brand ambassador to reinforce that the Knight Center is open to the public and available for corporate meetings, retreats, and events.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 3–5 years of experience in group sales, hospitality sales, or business development; hotel or conference center background preferred.
• Proven track record of prospecting and closing new business.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with a consultative, client-focused approach.
• High energy, self-motivated, and goal-oriented.
• Comfortable using CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with the St. Louis corporate, nonprofit, and professional landscape a strong plus.

Why Join Us?

At the Charles F. Knight Center, you’ll be part of a unique conference and hospitality environment that blends university excellence with full-service hotel and event capabilities. As External Sales Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in building lasting 

Apply to Flik today!

Flik is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Flik Hospitality are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.  For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1450979

Flik Hospitality Group  

JEANNE M LANE  

[[req_classification]]  

Job Tags

Similar Jobs