HOTEL SALES MANAGER

Compass Group•University City, MO

1d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The External Sales Manager leads all non-university sales efforts for the Charles F. Knight Center at Washington University. The role drives new business, expands market presence, and manages external inquiries concerning meeting space, catering services, and hotel accommodations. The manager builds and grows client relationships while collaborating with internal partners to maximize revenue opportunities.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in group sales, hospitality sales, or business development.
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.

Nice To Haves

Hotel or conference center background preferred.
Familiarity with the St. Louis corporate, nonprofit, and professional landscape.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for external meeting, catering, and lodging inquiries.
Qualify leads, develop tailored proposals, conduct site visits, and close bookings for corporate, nonprofit, government, and association clients.
Maintain and grow external accounts, identify new contacts within client organizations, and seek additional business and referrals.
Manage the sales cycle from prospecting through contract in coordination with event services and operations teams.
Generate new business through cold calls, email campaigns, LinkedIn outreach, and community events.
Canvas local companies, associations, and organizations to increase awareness and bookings.
Use CRM tools to track outreach, booking pace, and follow-up tasks.
Partner with the Internal Sales Manager and Regional Director of Sales to identify need dates and booking patterns, coordinate outreach, balance internal and external business, and develop strategic plans for long-term external group revenue.
Attend at least one networking or industry event each month to promote the Knight Center and maintain visibility in the St. Louis business community.
Represent the Knight Center as a brand ambassador and promote its availability to the public for corporate meetings, retreats, and events.