Sales Manager

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Te Papa in Wellington is seeking a Sales Manager to drive revenue growth across Te Papa and Takina venues. You will develop strategic sales plans, pursue new business opportunities, and nurture key client relationships with event organisers and industry partners.

The role requires strong negotiation skills, proven sales targets achievement, and the ability to work in New Zealand with appropriate work rights. This is a permanent, full-time position based in Wellington.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience in sales, account management, hospitality sales, venue sales, events sales, business development, or a related commercial role.
• Proven experience achieving sales targets and revenue objectives.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal; valid work rights in New Zealand.
• Experience in events, convention, hospitality, tourism, or venue sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive account regeneration, business development, and demand generation across Te Papa and Takina.
• Develop and implement sales plans to achieve revenue targets and KPIs.
• Generate, qualify, and convert new business opportunities while maximizing revenue from existing accounts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, event organisers, industry partners, and stakeholders.
• Prepare proposals, negotiate commercial agreements, maintain accurate sales records.

Skills

Relationship building

Negotiation

Business development

Sales targets

English communication

Job description

Te Papa stands proud as an iconic national building housing the treasures of the nation and is a vibrant destination for both national and international visitors. Te Papa also operates Wellington City Council's Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wellington's largest purpose-built convention and exhibition venue.Are you a proactive sales professional who enjoys creating opportunities, building strong client relationships, and driving revenue growth? Do you have strong negotiation skills and a passion for delivering exceptional client experiences? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dynamic Sales and Growth team as a Sales Manager.Reporting to the Manager Sales and Growth, you will play a key role in achieving revenue targets and strategic sales objectives across both Te Papa and Takina. Through account development, demand generation, proactive business development, and effective sales planning, you will identify opportunities to maximise revenue while building strong and lasting relationships with clients and industry partners.Purpose of the PositionYou will support the achievement of revenue targets and strategic sales objectives through account development, demand generation, proactive business development, and effective sales planning. You will identify opportunities to maximise revenue across both venues while building strong and lasting relationships with clients and industry partners.You'll work in a way that reflects Manaakitanga (care and respect), builds Whanaungatanga (strong relationships), and encourages Auahatanga (continuous improvement and creativity).What Success Looks LikeAfter your first year, people will describe you as someone who has made a significant contribution to revenue growth across Te Papa and Takina. You will be recognised for developing strong client relationships, creating new business opportunities, strengthening key accounts, and consistently converting sales opportunities into successful events. You will be known as a collaborative team member who supports colleagues, contributes positively to sales performance, and delivers excellent outcomes for clients and stakeholders.Key ResponsibilitiesYou will:Drive account regeneration, business development, and demand generation activities across Te Papa enterprise value proposition and Takina.Develop and implement sales plans that achieve revenue targets and key performance indicators.Generate, qualify, and convert new business opportunities while maximising revenue from existing accounts.Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, event organisers, industry partners, and stakeholders.Prepare proposals, negotiate commercial agreements, maintain accurate sales records, and contribute to a high-performing sales culture.Essential RequirementsTo be considered for this role, applicants must have:At least 2 years' experience history in in sales, account management, hospitality sales, venue sales, events sales, business development, or a related commercial role.Proven experience achieving sales targets and revenue objectives.Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and business development skills.Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.The ability to work legally in New Zealand or obtain the appropriate work rights.It Is a Bonus If You HaveExperience within the events, convention, hospitality, tourism, or venue sectors.Knowledge of Wellington's business events and conference market.Experience working with large-scale events or conference clients.The work across our operation is busy, exciting, and fast-paced, supported by a fantastic and collaborative team environment. This is a great opportunity to represent two of Wellington's premier events venues while contributing to their ongoing success.Te Papa's values of Whanaungatanga (Teamwork), Manaakitanga (Respect) and Auahatanga (Creativity) are at the centre of how we work every day. Te Papa is an amazing organisation to work for, with bold aspirations for the future.This is a permanent, full-time position based in Wellington, working a minimum of 40 hours per week.The starting salary for this position will be between $67,669 - $80,357 per annum, with opportunities to progress as you gain experience in the role. Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience offered by candidates and internal relativities with other employees.Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.Prior to Te Papa confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken, including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.If you have any questions about this role, please contact [e-mail] close on Friday, 9th October 2026.