Business Development Manager

Plato Creative; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Plato is seeking a senior Business Development Manager to lead Auckland growth from our Parnell office. You’ll connect brand, digital and performance capabilities into one growth solution for ambitious clients, and own the full sales cycle from outreach to close.

You are strategically minded, commercially sharp, and experienced in agency or professional services sales. You’ll build long-term partnerships with founders and senior executives, shaping our Auckland presence and future expansion.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in business development, account leadership, or consultative sales.
• Background in agency, marketing, or professional services preferred.
• Strong understanding of ROI, growth strategy, and commercial outcomes.
• Well-connected within Auckland business community with ability to open doors at founder/executive level.

Responsibilities

• Drive new business growth across the Auckland market through strategic outreach and discovery conversations.
• Identify and convert high-value opportunities into long-term client partnerships.
• Position Plato’s integrated offering as a cohesive solution across brand, digital, web, and performance.
• Leverage your Auckland network to expand the pipeline and close deals.
• Own the full sales cycle from first engagement to signed contracts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding of new clients.
• Maintain market presence to boost brand credibility and pipeline momentum.

Skills

Business development

Account leadership

Consultative sales

Agency/marketing experience

Networking

Job description

This is a new role for us at Plato and an exciting opportunity for an experienced Business Development Manager to join our award-winning agency. If you are a strategic, commercially-minded sales professional we want to hear from you.

At Plato, we are the agency that accelerates the growth of ambitious businesses and brands. We blend strategic clarity with creative firepower to fuel growth and deliver measurable commercial outcomes. Our high-performing team thrives in a collaborative and supportive environment, valuing talent, ambition, and continuous learning. Strong relationships and teamwork both within Plato and with our clients are at the heart of what we do. Joining Plato means making a real impact and contributing to our bold growth strategy.

About the Role

We’re looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to lead our Auckland growth. This is a senior, strategic sales role focused on building long-term partnerships with ambitious businesses—not transactional project sales.

Based in our Parnell office, you will represent Plato in-market, connecting brand, digital, and performance capability into one integrated growth solution for clients.

You’ll act as the key link between prospective clients and our delivery teams, helping businesses understand how a unified strategic partner can unlock real commercial outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Driving new business growth across the Auckland market through strategic outreach and discovery conversations
• Identifying and converting high-value opportunities into long-term client partnerships
• Positioning Plato’s integrated offering (brand, digital, web, and performance) as a single, cohesive solution
• Leveraging and growing your professional network across Auckland’s business community
• Owning the full sales cycle from initial engagement through to close
• Partnering closely with internal teams to ensure smooth handover and onboarding of new clients
• Maintaining an active presence in market to build brand credibility and pipeline momentum

About You

You are commercially sharp, strategically minded, and confident engaging senior decision-makers.

• 8+ years’ experience in business development, account leadership, or consultative sales
• Background in agency, marketing, or professional services preferred
• Strong understanding of business performance, ROI, and growth strategy
• Well-connected within the Auckland business community with the ability to open doors at founder and executive level
• Comfortable selling integrated solutions across digital, brand, and marketing.
• Self-directed, ambitious, and motivated by building something meaningful in market

Why Join Plato?

We’re an established, highly respected agency entering a significant growth phase in Auckland.

• Culture: Collaborative, down-to-earth, and ego-free. High performance without the politics
• Clients: Work with established enterprises and fast-scaling brands ready for transformation
• Growth: A key leadership role in shaping our Auckland presence and future expansion

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re a senior BDM who thrives on strategic conversations, meaningful client partnerships, and commercial outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation with Rebecca

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who aligns with our values, thrives in a team environment, and is eager to make a meaningful impact at Plato.