Public Sector Business Development Manager (37 hours per week, Permanent)
Location: Home based with travel to Wave Offices in Durham or Peterborough and customer sites and venues nationally
Salary: Starting at £42,853, plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 25% of annual salary
Job Level: C
Car Allowance: Yes
Reporting to: Head of Public Sector Customers
We want our people to have a great work-life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
ABOUT US
Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non-household water market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses lower water use, be more water efficient and reduce costs – all which helped us earn all which helped us proudly earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023. Most recently, we celebrate the win again in 2025, where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value and sustainability as well as our market-leading customer service. Our vision is to be the most customer-focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do, making a positive difference to the environment and society.
The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development, one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you’d be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you and we give great things back.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
Wealth
- Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
- Bonus potential
- Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks - high street savings (fashion retailers, supermarkets and restaurants), discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes
- Income protection scheme
- Personal accident insurance
- 4x salary life assurance
- Free onsite parking
Time off
- 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
- A day off for your birthday
- Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- The option to buy holidays
- 1 day paid volunteering
Wellbeing
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Annual conference and Christmas party
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Free flu shots
Family Friendly
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
- We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to both you and your family
THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL
This role is all about driving growth in the Public Sector by winning new business, expanding existing accounts, and positioning Wave as a trusted market leader. You’ll proactively build and manage a strong sales pipeline - prospecting, shaping compelling proposals, leading negotiations, and securing long-term contracts - while working closely with internal teams to deliver innovative, value-led solutions. Alongside hitting revenue targets, you’ll build strategic relationships with customers, frameworks, and partners, act as a visible ambassador in the market, and ensure a smooth transition from sale to onboarding, all while continuously identifying opportunities to improve performance and develop the overall proposition.
WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
- Building pipeline & prospecting: Starting the day by reviewing your pipeline, following up on leads, reaching out to new Public Sector prospects, and identifying opportunities through networking or frameworks.
- Customer engagement & sales activity: Meeting with prospective or existing customers to understand their needs, shape solutions, present proposals, and progress deals toward close.
- Internal collaboration: Working closely with bid, pricing, marketing, and account management teams to develop compelling proposals and ensure alignment on strategy and delivery.
- Commercial delivery & market presence: Leading negotiations, updating CRM and forecasts, and representing the business at events or partner meetings to strengthen relationships and spot new growth opportunities.
WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?
- Proven sales performance: A strong track record of winning new business, growing accounts, and consistently exceeding targets in a B2B, public sector, or regulated environment.
- Commercial and market expertise: Confidence in leading negotiations, building pricing strategies, and navigating complex bids, with an understanding of public sector procurement and utility/service markets.
- Relationship-building skills: The ability to build trust quickly with customers, partners, and internal teams, and to influence senior stakeholders through clear, compelling communication.
- Drive, curiosity and resilience: A proactive, self-starting mindset with the energy to prospect, solve problems, spot opportunities, and continuously improve how you deliver results.
- Full UK driving licence
Please refer to the essential criteria in the job description as this is what you will be shortlisted against.
Wave is committed to making a positive difference to the environment and society in which it operates. If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.
BE YOURSELF – OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER
Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity, or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting [email protected].
Please ensure you attach your CV and a covering letter so we can get to know more about your skills and experience and why you are suitable for this role. We will not be able to consider applications without a covering letter.
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