Public Sector Growth and Retention Manager

Wave Utilities; North East; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A national water utility company is looking for a Public Sector Growth & Retention Manager to expand its customer portfolio. The role involves developing sales strategies, leading a sales team, and managing relationships within the public sector. Ideal candidates will have a strong track record in B2B sales and experience with public sector procurement. This is a full-time position offering flexible working and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Bonus potential

Excellent pension scheme

Perkbox membership

24 days holiday rising to 26

Flexible working

Healthcare cashback

Qualifications

• Proven ability to create and deliver successful sales strategies.
• Experience managing Public Sector Buying Organisations (PSBOs) and channel partners.
• Knowledge of the UK water retail market or a similar regulated utility.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales activity by reviewing your team’s pipeline.
• Meet with customers to negotiate contracts and educate stakeholders.
• Lead and support your team with coaching and direction.

Skills

People management

Sales strategy creation

Cold calling

Negotiation

CRM management

Education

Degree or equivalent commercial experience

Job description

Public Sector Growth & Retention 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 £50,499 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 of which helped us earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021 and 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’ll 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.

WHATS 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

The Public Sector Growth & Retention Manager is responsible for growing Wave’s Public Sector customer portfolio, leading a growing sales team, winning new business and retaining existing customers. You’ll develop sales strategies, manage key relationships (including Public Sector Buying Organisations and TPIs), shape propositions and represent Wave as a trusted expert in the Public Sector utility space. It’s a leadership role combining strategic sales, hands‑on business development, partner management and commercial ownership.

WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE

• Drive sales activity by reviewing your team’s pipeline, generating new leads, engaging prospects and progressing live opportunities toward close.
• Meet with customers and partners (virtually or on‑site) to negotiate contracts, educate stakeholders (PSBOs, TPIs, Frameworks) and strengthen long‑term relationships.
• Work with internal teams – pricing, bids, legal, onboarding, marketing – to prepare proposals, price contracts and ensure smooth customer onboarding.
• Lead and support your team by providing coaching, direction, performance reviews and ensuring activities align with the Public Sector Sales Strategy.
• Monitor the market and represent Wave by capturing competitor insights, feeding them into proposition development and attending external events or webinars as an ambassador.

WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU

• People management and coaching experience
• Proven ability to create and deliver successful sales strategies
• Track record of exceeding sales / retention targets in B2B I&C or Public Sector environments
• Strong commercial acumen – pricing, margins, contracts negotiation
• Results‑driven and commercially focused
• Excellent lead generation (cold calling, networking, social media)
• Strong CRM and pipeline management
• Experience managing PSBOs, Framework Providers, TPIs or channel partners
• Public Sector procurement knowledge
• Experience representing an organisation at industry events
• Knowledge of the UK water retail market or a similar regulated utility / service sector
• Degree or equivalent commercial experience
• 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 [contact details omitted].

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 5th December 2025

Interviews are planned for week commencing 15th December 2025

Wave processes your data in line with data protection laws. You can find out more by accessing our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: Years

Vacancy: 1