Business Development Manager - Operations & Maintenance - Strata Clean Energy
Durham, NC 27703
About the Job
Strata Clean Energy is one of the largest Solar PV and Storage Operations & Maintenance providers in the United States and continues to grow. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Business Development Manager to join our team. This role is pivotal in driving the company's growth by identifying new business opportunities, maintaining client relationships, and developing strategic partnerships to expand our presence in the renewable energy sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in business development, sales, and a deep understanding of Solar and BESS technologies and services. You will be responsible for generating leads, negotiating contracts, and supporting the company's long-term objectives in the renewable energy market.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify, target, and engage new business opportunities in the Solar and BESS O&M markets.
- Develop and implement strategic business development plans to achieve revenue growth targets.
- Conduct market research to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes.
- Generate leads and cultivate relationships with potential clients including project developers, utilities, and large-scale solar/battery storage operators.
- Lead the preparation of commercial proposals and negotiate terms and conditions with clients.
- Develop customized solutions and value propositions to meet clients’ operational and maintenance needs for solar and BESS installations.
- Present proposals, pricing, and service offerings to prospective clients and stakeholders.
- Support the team in managing the entire sales lifecycle from initial contact through contract signing.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients during the negotiation and post-sales phases, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate with account managers and technical teams to ensure seamless project execution and maintenance service delivery.
- Stay informed about market developments, government policies, and regulatory changes in the renewable energy sector, especially in solar and BESS O&M services.
- Track competitor activities and identify new market opportunities to stay ahead of industry trends.
- Attend industry conferences, webinars, and networking events to stay connected with industry experts and build the company’s presence in the market.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional materials, case studies, and other content for business development activities.
- Provide feedback to internal teams regarding customer needs and preferences to enhance service offerings.
- Prepare regular sales reports, forecasts, and business development activity updates for senior management.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and work towards meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
- Monitor and report on the success of new business initiatives and partnerships.
- Must be a self-starter who takes initiative and possesses an “ownership” attitude to follow up on assigned tasks and issues
- Requires the ability to handle multiple complex issues under pressure simultaneously and successfully
- Interpersonal skills with the desire and ability to develop relationships and work closely with cross functional support teams.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Responsible for leading and managing the negotiation process with clients and stakeholders, ensuring the contract terms align with the company’s capabilities and business objectives.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of business development or sales experience in the renewable energy sector, with a focus on Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- Proven track record of successfully developing and executing business strategies, managing client relationships, and closing deals.
- Experience with O&M services for renewable energy systems is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System technologies, O&M requirements, and industry standards.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to operate in a manner consistent with organizational policies, procedures, and vision.
- Ability to communicate with peers, supervisor, and all other individuals both effectively and respectfully within and outside of the organization.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications to include but not limited to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint, as well as various industry-related software platforms.
- Ability to collaborate with technical teams and effectively translate complex technical solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment:
- Business Development Managers often travel to meet with clients, attend industry events, or visit project sites. This can involve extended periods of walking, standing, and sitting during transportation (airplane, car, etc.). Frequent travel may involve long trips, which requires endurance and flexibility.
- The role primarily involves office-based activities such as meetings, phone calls, presentations, and working on a computer. This requires the ability to sit for long periods, manage administrative tasks, and prepare documents, reports, and proposals. Must have the ability to travel to remote project sites, warehouses and depots.
- The role may involve visits to solar farms, BESS installations, or other operational sites to meet with clients, contractors, or technical teams.
- Ability to wear full complement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
This job description is intended to describe the essential job functions of this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of job responsibilities.
I have read, understand and am able to perform the duties within the job description. I have received a copy of this form