Account Manager - Merchants

About us

At APD, we don’t just manufacture tanks; we are shaping a better future through innovative, sustainable water and systems solutions. As a proudly New Zealand-owned leader in thermoplastic fabrication and rotational moulding, our purpose is simple: Doing Good from the Ground Up.

We are a fast-growing, medium-sized manufacturer specialising in products that protect the environment while prioritizing easy installation. We are known as solution providers designing and engineering products that meet exact customer requirements, saving time and avoiding problems on-site. Our continued growth is driven by our passion for expanding our product range and the diverse markets we serve.

About the Role

Are you a natural relationship builder who brings a positive mindset into any room you walk into? We’re looking for a high-energy, resilient, and driven Account Manager (Merchants) to take ownership of our vital merchant channels.

This is a dynamic hunter role focused on driving growth in the front stages of the sales cycle. You will be out in the field walking into new environments, striking up instant, engaging conversations, and turning first impressions into long-term strategic partnerships. While the role covers the wider North Island (requiring flexibility for occasional travel), around 80% of your time will be in Auckland managing a portfolio of over 100 high-value touchpoints.

With our Customer Service team backing you up on quoting, post-sale admin, and after-care, your sole focus is to hunt opportunities, ask the bold questions, and challenge merchants to think differently. As you grow in the role, you’ll expand your scope beyond the shop floor - developing your business and financial acumen to engage directly with head office decision-makers, including Category Managers, Product Manages and Managing Directors.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive front-end sales: proactively hunt for short and long term sales opportunities across diverse merchant channels, keeping the pipeline active and growing
• Master territory management: seamlessly structure and balance a high touch portfolio of 100+ key merchant accounts across Auckland and the North Island
• Build high impact relationships: build immediate rapport on the branch floor while developing strategic relationships with Branch Managers to drive mutually beneficial business growth as well as grow into working with Category Managers at the support office
• Act as a trusted advisor: use active listening, sharp questioning, and constructive challenge to help merchants see new possibilities and grow their own revenue
• Maintain CRM excellence: keep sales pipelines, customer insights, and account interactions meticulously tracked in HubSpot
• Collaborate for success: partner with our internal customer service team to ensure seamless handoffs for quoting, fulfillment, and ongoing customer care
• Responsible for major building and plumbing merchant accounts, including Plumbing World, Reece, Chesters, Placemakers, Bunnings and other major drainage retailers.

What You Will Bring

A positive, productive, hard-working mindset with the confidence to walk into any room, engage anyone, and close opportunities, from store counter to the Managing Director

Based in Auckland (where 80% of your accounts sit), with the flexibility to travel and manage merchant relationships across the whole North Island

The ability to remain nimble in response to market opportunities and move quickly to secure them

Exceptional organizational skills to manage a large customer base while keeping HubSpot CRM accurate and up to date

Superb communication, active listening, and questioning skills that allow you to challenge the status quo constructively

Proven sales background with a hunger for growth. Previous retail and industry experience is a definite bonus, but your passion, drive, and attitude are what matter most!

Why Choose APD?

Where Your Hard Work Meets High Reward. We know it’s the ‘small stuff’ that makes a big difference. From free GP visits and fresh fruit to choosing your own perks - like birthday leave, wellbeing allowance or extra KiwiSaver - we’ve designed a workplace that actually looks after you. Join a proud NZ-owned leader where you get the stability of a market frontrunner with the heart of a team that celebrates milestones with monthly lunch shouts and regular team-building.

Join APD, and turn Doing Good into your daily job.