Astute People’s Team is proud to be exclusively partnering with Augean – an industry leader in hazardous waste management – as part of our tailored People Plus recruitment solution, to appoint a key commercial hire in the North East.
Gemma Nixon, a Senior Recruitment Partner in Astute’s nuclear team, recently spoke with Graeme Hay, Regional Commercial Manager (Treatment & Transfer – North), to explore what makes this Business Development Manager position both a vital part of Augean’s strategy and an exciting opportunity for professionals in the sector.
With over two decades of experience in hazardous waste and sales, Graeme shares insight into the role’s responsibilities, the type of candidate who will thrive, and what it’s like to work at a company that blends strong values with technical excellence.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your team at Augean
As Regional Commercial Manager for the North Treatment & Transfer division, I bring over 20 years of experience in sales and hazardous waste management.
I manage a successful team of five hazardous waste experts, overseeing all commercial aspects of three treatment and transfer sites across the North of the UK.
Together, we strive to meet customer demands and deliver on the business’s expectations.
What are you looking for the successful candidate to have, for the Business Development Manager role?
The Business Development Manager role will be proactively identifying and pursuing growth opportunities through key business development efforts. This will involve market research, generating leads, engaging prospective clients and fostering strong relationships to secure new business in the North East.
The ideal candidate will have a diverse skill set encompassing strategic thinking, excellent communication, negotiation, and strong interpersonal skills.
They must be adaptable, results-oriented, and possess a deep understanding of the market.
About the Business Development Manager role
Can you tell us about the Business Development Manager role and why it’s important to the business?
As a BDM operating in the North East for Augean, the role presents exciting and rewarding challenges, while working alongside an effective team of sales and operations professionals.
It is a critical position for our Middlesbrough operation, where regular inputs are essential to maintain the site’s processing capabilities.
What are the key business growth areas you would like the new Business Development Manager to focus on?
This role will focus on predominantly new business opportunities and generating revenue with new customers and in areas we aren’t currently operating.
The BDM will be expected to build and maintain strong client relationships, develop effective sales strategies, and collaborate with internal teams.
Monitoring market trends, negotiating deals, forecasting sales, and cross-selling services across other areas of the business will also be important aspects of the role.
Beyond revenue generation, how will success in this role be measured?
Success will be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics aligned with overall business goals.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) will track areas such as lead generation, conversion rates, and inputs into our new CRM system.
How does this role fit into the company’s broader commercial strategy?
The North East BDM plays a vital role in Augean’s wider strategy by focusing on the identification and pursuit of new revenue-generating opportunities.
This ensures the business continues to evolve and expand its market presence.
Where will the successful candidate be based, and what are some of the benefits that come with the role?
This role will require both office based and client facing activities, working closely with our Middlesbrough facility and supporting customers across the region.
Career benefits include:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Occupational health
- Health care scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (mental health and wellbeing)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Savings scheme
- A paid day each year to volunteer
Skills and experience
What specific technical knowledge or industry expertise would make someone particularly effective in this role?
A degree or proven experience in business development and sales within hazardous waste management is key.
An understanding of chemistry or chemical components would also be highly beneficial.
Culture and team dynamics
How would you describe the working culture within Augean and the Business Development team?
Augean aims to attract and retain talented individuals, creating a working environment where everyone can reach their full potential.
We are committed to equal opportunities in employment and value the diversity a varied workforce brings.
While we are a relatively small team, we are closely knit and collaborate on a daily basis.
What support structures and training will be available to help the Business Development Manager succeed in the role?
We provide ongoing training through a range of methods, including one-to-one coaching and online platforms such as iHasco. Support structures – both internal and external – are in place to help the BDM effectively identify, develop, and nurture business opportunities.
These are essential to achieving sales targets, expanding market reach, and contributing to the company’s growth.
How to apply for the Business Development Manager role at Augean
If you’re an experienced business development professional with a background in hazardous or specialist waste, this is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of the sector.
The role offers real scope to make an impact and be part of a supportive, expert team driving growth across the North East.
To learn more about the position, connect with Gemma Nixon on LinkedIn.
