At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth in the Public Sector by winning new business and expanding existing accounts.
- Company: Join Wave, a leading national business water retailer with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to employee wellbeing and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven sales performance and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42853 - 53566 € per year.
Location: Hybrid working with Durham or Peterborough as base
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 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
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 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 Manager in Durham employer: Wave Utilities
Wave is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering a hybrid working model from Durham or Peterborough. With a strong focus on continuous learning and development, employees benefit from a generous pension scheme, flexible holiday options, and a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Joining Wave means being part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact in the public sector while enjoying a range of perks and support for personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Sector Business Development Manager in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Wave and understand their mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and customer service. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your sales achievements and how you can drive growth in the public sector. Role-play with a friend or in front of a mirror until you feel confident. Remember, first impressions count!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team at Wave.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Sector Business Development Manager in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Public Sector Business Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with what we’re looking for, especially in sales performance and relationship-building.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re excited about this role at Wave and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of public sector procurement!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to exceed targets and drive growth. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to back up your claims.
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure to follow all application instructions carefully. Attach both your CV and cover letter as requested, and apply through our website to ensure your application gets to us without a hitch!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Utilities
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Wave's mission and values. Understand 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 Sales Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past sales successes, especially in the public sector or B2B environments. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships, won new business, and exceeded targets. Use metrics to quantify your achievements!
✨Ask Smart Questions
During the interview, don’t just wait for questions to be thrown at you. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the hybrid working model, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Wave values diversity and individuality, so let your personality shine through! Share your unique experiences and perspectives. This not only makes you memorable but also aligns with their inclusive culture.
