At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales in the public sector and build valuable relationships with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join Wave, a leading water retailer committed to sustainability and customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a range of perks including enhanced leave.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in sales while making a positive impact on society and the environment.
- Qualifications: Basic understanding of sales principles and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26634 - 33292 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid working with Durham or Peterborough as base
Salary: Starting from £26,634, plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 25% of annual salary
Job Level: D
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 proudly earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023, and 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?
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL
The role is a strong development opportunity for someone looking to build a career in sales and the Public Sector. As a Public Sector Business Development Executive, you’ll gain hands-on experience in lead generation, sales strategy, negotiation, proposal writing, and contract management. You’ll collaborate with specialist teams, build relationships with high-level public-sector stakeholders, and learn how to manage the full sales cycle from prospect to onboarding. It’s a role designed to grow your commercial, communication, and strategic skills while contributing to a fast-growing area of the business.
WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
- Make proactive calls and send emails to prospective Public Sector customers to generate new opportunities and nurture these prospects to close.
- Prioritise your pipeline and plan outreach activity.
- Top up your pipeline by conducting online research to identify new prospects.
- Work with internal teams - pricing, bid, legal, onboarding, marketing to prepare proposals, pricing, contracts, and ensure smooth customer onboarding.
- Gain experience in public procurement, sales strategy, negotiation, stakeholder management, and exposure to public sector frameworks.
WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?
- Understanding basic principles of sales strategy, lead generation, and marketing
- Clear and confident verbal and written communication, including phone and email correspondence
- Accurate use of CRM systems for pipeline management and performance tracking
- Ability to manage time effectively, follow up on tasks, and maintain accurate records
- Work well in a dynamic environment and with cross-functional teams
- Strong commitment to delivering a positive customer experience
- Openness to training, feedback, and continuous development
- Strong CRM and pipeline management
- 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 Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk.
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.
Closing date: 4pm on Friday 12 June 2026
Interviews are planned for week commencing 22 June 2026
Wave processes your data in line with data protection laws. You can find out more by accessing our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
Public Sector Business Development Executive in Durham employer: Wave Utilities
At Wave, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With a strong focus on work-life balance, flexible hybrid working options, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances and a robust pension scheme, we empower our Customer Service Advisors to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in Durham and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your growth in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Sector Business Development Executive in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Wave's values, recent achievements, and their approach to sustainability. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the role and even lead to referrals, which can really boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to sales strategy and customer experience. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to refine your answers and boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role at Wave.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Sector Business Development Executive in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Public Sector Business Development Executive role. Highlight relevant experience in sales strategy, lead generation, and any public sector work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at Wave. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love seeing the real you!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key in this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Keep your language professional yet approachable, and double-check for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your documents!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Utilities
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Wave's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to sustainability and customer service. This will help you align your answers with what they care about and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your sales strategy, lead generation, and communication skills. Think of situations where you successfully managed a sales cycle or collaborated with teams to achieve a goal. This will give the interviewers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and how success is measured at Wave. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture and expectations align with your career goals.
✨Be Yourself
Wave values diversity and inclusivity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be honest about your experiences and what you can contribute. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates and help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
