Business Development Manager

WM New Zealand is New Zealand's leading resource recovery, recycling and waste management provider. We’re committed to safeguarding our beautiful environment through sustainable management of our valuable resources. Put simply, sustainability is what we do.

About the role

We’re looking for a Wellington-based Commercial Business Development Manager to drive new logo acquisition and build a high-value portfolio of long-term customer partnerships.

You’ll lead solution selling across waste, recycling and resource recovery, designing commercial proposals that are deliverable, profitable and aligned to customers’ sustainability and circular economy ambitions. You’ll work closely with internal teams to take opportunities from discovery through RFP/tender, negotiation and contract award.

This is a pure hunter role with real autonomy: you’ll build a target list, create demand, open senior doors and close strategic agreements across large commercial customers and high-potential SMEs.

What success looks like: a healthy, well-qualified pipeline; consistent conversion of priority pursuits; strong internal deal leadership; and new customers onboarded smoothly with clear value delivered from day one.

You’ll thrive if you’re a high-performing, consultative closer who earns trust quickly, challenges constructively, and takes full ownership from first conversation to signed agreement.

Key Responsibilities

You’ll own the full business development cycle - from prospecting to close and onboarding and partnering across WM to deliver high-value, profitable solutions.

• Win new business across large commercial and SME customers in the Wellington region.
• Lead tenders, proposals and presentations; negotiate value-led, commercially sound agreements.
• Partner with operations, pricing and legal to design solutions that are deliverable, compliant and profitable.
• Maintain disciplined pipeline management, forecasting and activity tracking in Salesforce.
• Coordinate a seamless handover and onboarding to set new customers up for long-term success.
• Represent WM at industry events and customer forums to build brand presence and generate leads.

About you

You’re a commercially sharp, high-performing business development professional with a track record of winning new customers and building enduring partnerships. You’re confident navigating complex stakeholder environments and influencing senior decision-makers.

• 5+ years’ experience in business development or consultative sales within a service-based environment.
• Proven success securing new business and consistently exceeding growth targets.
• Experience managing longer sales cycles, RFP/tender processes and complex stakeholder groups.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation capability, and crisp proposal writing/presentation skills.
• Confidence engaging and influencing senior decision-makers (C-suite and GM level).
• High energy, resilience and personal ownership - comfortable being measured on results.
• Current full New Zealand driver’s licence.

What’s in it for you?

A high-autonomy role with meaningful commercial impact: you’ll shape how WM wins and delivers resource recovery outcomes across the Wellington market, backed by a strong operational platform and experienced internal specialists.

We offer competitive remuneration, clear performance expectations, and genuine development opportunities within a market-leading organisation focused on sustainability and the circular economy.

How to apply

To apply, click Apply Now.

We may begin reviewing applications as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

WM is an EEO employer and promotes a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

You must be based in New Zealand and have the right to work (current work visa, residency, or New Zealand citizenship).