Solar Business Development Manager

Job Description:

The Business Development Leader is a senior-level position responsible for driving strategic sales and marketing initiatives for Kokosing Solar. This role leads business development efforts across utility-scale, community-scale, commercial & industrial (C&I) solar, and energy storage sectors. The successful candidate will cultivate and expand customer relationships, manage RFP and negotiated sales processes, and drive revenue growth in alignment with company objectives.

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to expand market presence in target solar and energy storage markets.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, market segments, and partnerships.

• Lead market analysis and competitive intelligence to inform decision-making.

• Build relationships with utilities, policy advocates, developers, EPCs, vendors, financing partners, and end-users.

• Provide guidance on branding, marketing strategies, and brand refinement.

• Cultivate and manage relationships with customers across all market segments.

• Lead the end-to-end sales process from first contact through contract execution.

• Maintain a robust sales pipeline with accurate forecasting and reporting.

• Negotiate complex commercial agreements and contract terms.

• Lead cross-functional teams to develop competitive RFP and RFQ responses.

• Oversee proposal strategy, technical solution development, and pricing.

• Ensure compliance with all technical and commercial requirements.

• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and project management to develop solutions.

• Maintain deep knowledge of solar PV, energy storage, and market trends.

• Analyze customer buying criteria, economic models, and risk assessments.

• Stay current on utility regulations, interconnection requirements, and policy changes.

• Provide technical expertise to support sales and educate customers.

• Lead and mentor the business development team.

• Collaborate with engineering, construction, project management, and finance teams.

• Align business development activities with corporate strategy.

• Promote a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.

• Minimum 10+ years of business development or sales experience in solar, renewable energy, or related industries.

• Proven B2B sales success in utility-scale, community solar, or C&I markets.

• Experience with EPC project development and delivery preferred.

• Familiarity with project financing structures, PPAs, and energy market dynamics.

• Knowledge of permitting, environmental, and compliance requirements.

• Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or MBA, utility-scale solar project experience (50MW+), energy storage integration, industry certifications (NABCEP, PMP, CEM).

• Comprehensive understanding of solar PV and energy storage technologies.

• Strong competence in financial modeling, proformas, and payback analysis.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.

• Proven leadership in managing cross-functional teams and complex sales.

• Analytical thinker with strong risk assessment skills.

• Proficient in CRM systems, proposal management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to travel up to 50% for customer meetings and industry events.

• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.

• High ethical standards and professional integrity.