Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. SMA America is a pioneering company in the solar technology sector, dedicated to transforming energy through innovative solutions. They are seeking a Strategic Sales Manager to drive business growth for their utility-scale solar and battery energy storage solutions across North America.
Responsibilities
- Develops and manages key accounts within the assigned territory, with a focus on utility-scale PV and BESS opportunities
- Builds and maintains senior-level relationships with IPPs, EPCs, developers, utilities, and other key decision-makers across the energy sector
- Develops effective long-term strategic plans to capture market share and maximize sales revenue within the assigned territory
- Executes a complex solutions selling approach at the executive level to drive technology alignment and forward roadmap development
- Develops comprehensive short and long-term sales strategies to maximize business capture across the customer base
- Develops business cases and strategic plans to feed market input, industry data, and customer requirements into internal business unit product and solutions development cycles
- Actively owns, drives, and manages monthly pipeline business forecast and addresses any issues for successful and timely resolution
- Implements and improves sales cycle, systems, and processes as required to drive improved effectiveness and profitability
- Collaborates with internal colleagues across sales, product management, engineering, and service teams to ensure alignment on technical requirements and customer needs
- Maintains accurate records of customer activity and pipeline in CRM systems with thorough organizational discipline and direct management reporting
- Attends relevant trade shows, conferences, seminars, and industry events as required
- Travels to Rocklin-based offices, tradeshows, and customer meetings as needed
- Travels to SMA headquarters in Kassel, Germany for alignment within the business unit as needed
- Other duties as may be required or assigned
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in a commercial or technical field is required
- 5-10 years of successful, demonstrable sales or business development experience in advanced technology industries, with strong engineering understanding
- Experience in electrical systems, solar/PV design, or related fields is required
- Proven track record of managing large, complex customers in cross-functional matrix environments with lengthy design, qualification, and project sales cycles across multiple decision-makers
- Understanding of and prior engagement with utilities, IPPs, end users, and the broader U.S. energy sector
- Understanding of utility grid operations, power plants, energy transmission and delivery, and associated services
- Requires an influential network of senior-level industry contacts, understanding of market trends and industry drivers, and familiarity with full system technology roadmaps
- Solid knowledge of strategic and solutions selling; large account management experience required
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and time management skills
- Excellent presentation and negotiation skills
- Highly driven, motivated, and energetic self-starter mentality with full dedication and commitment to attacking the market
- Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is required
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard industry management programs (Salesforce, SharePoint) required
- Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively and independently in a remote team structure; requires strong initiative, discipline, and self-management
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record required
- Up to 50% domestic travel
- A master's degree or post-graduate certification in renewable energy or a related discipline is preferred
- Proficiency in Spanish is a plus
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options.
- Remote-first work schedule within assigned territory.
- Relocation assistance available; budget to be confirmed.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and industry engagement.
- Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment with global cross-functional exposure.
Company Overview