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
Starting at £50,499, plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 25% of annual salary
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.
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 all which helped us proudly earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, 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.
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. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. 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
~ 4x salary life assurance
~ Free onsite parking
24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
~ Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
~ The option to buy holidays
~Hybrid/Flexible working
~ Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
~ Cycle to work scheme
~ Annual conference and Christmas party
~24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
~ Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
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.
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, pricing, contracts, and ensure smooth customer onboarding.
Lead and support your team, providing coaching, direction, performance reviews, and ensuring activities align with the Public Sector Sales Strategy.
Monitor the market and represent Wave, capturing competitor insights, feeding into proposition development, and attending external events or webinars as an ambassador.
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
Excellent lead generation (cold calling, networking, social media)
Strong CRM and pipeline management
Public Sector procurement knowledge
Knowledge of the UK water retail market or a similar regulated utility/service sector
Degree or equivalent commercial experience
Full UK driving licence
If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.
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.Wave processes your data in line with data protection laws. You can find out more by accessing our Recruitment Privacy Notice.