Business Development Manager - Sales and Commercial (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a Business Development Manager – Sales & Commercial to step into a fixed-term full-time role for one year within our Sales and Commercial team.
This position is vital to supporting the generation of revenue for Te Papa across the Museum and Commercial Services directorate. You'll play an integral part in continuing and enhancing the successful commercial strategies already in place, whilst supporting the creative development of new and enhanced internal commercial opportunities.
This role involves proactively maintaining and growing our existing revenue-generating areas of the business.
As a trusted and valued member of the team, you'll be responsible for driving commercial success by building on existing client relationships and developing and nurturing new relationships, identifying new revenue opportunities, and contributing to the execution of our commercial strategy. We're looking for someone to pick up the baton and keep momentum strong – someone passionate about commercial sales, data-driven, and focused on continuous improvement.
In this role, you will:

* Proactively manage and act on sales leads and networks to generate revenue
* Analyse industry, market, and internal data to identify, act on and optimise revenue opportunities
* Refine pricing strategies in response to market and customer behaviours
* Deliver reporting and actionable insights to guide decision-making and insights driven revenue strategies
* Maintain and grow strong networks across venue sales and related commercial sectors
* Manage commercial contracts and agreements
* Contribute to and implement business acquisition strategies in line with revenue targets
* Understand booking trends and market performance to target the right business

We're looking for someone with:

* 5+ years of business development and sales experience in a commercial environment; experience in revenue management is a strong advantage
* A relevant tertiary qualification (Business, Commerce, Marketing) or equivalent experience
* A track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets
* Strength in building and sustaining professional relationships
* Skilled negotiation and influencing capabilities
* Strong written communication and critical thinking skills with the ability to articulate analysis and related recommendations clearly and succinctly for a variety of audiences
* The ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment
* A solutions-focused mindset with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
* Confidence in improving and innovating processes
* The ability to travel as required, both domestically and internationally

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) based onsite at our offices at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Cable Street, Wellington.
For more details, please refer to the Business Development Manager – Sales & Commercial Position Description.
At Te Papa, our values – Whanaungatanga (Teamwork), Manaakitanga (Respect), and Auahatanga (Creativity) – guide the way we work together and with our communities. Join us and help carry forward the legacy and success of this established role in an organisation with bold aspirations.
Salary: Starting salary will be in the range of $91,000 - $109,000 per annum. Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience offered by the candidate and those required of the role, and internal relativities with other employees.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks, including criminal history and references, will be undertaken before any offer is confirmed.
How to apply: Please submit your application online with a cover letter and CV.
If you are viewing this advertising from a website that is not the Te Papa job board, please ensure you head to jobs.tepapa.govt.nz to view the Position Description and submit an application.
If you'd like more information or want to discuss the role confidentially, feel free to contact: Marna van Blerk [email protected]
Applications close: 23 February 2026