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
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 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 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 Manager
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Wave Utilities, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Wave Utilities and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Sector Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Wave Utilities and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Utilities
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Wave Utilities, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Wave Utilities.
