How to apply for LTSA Service Manager

About Canadian Solar (North America)

Canadian Solar is a global solar energy leader with 55 GW of delivered solar modules, demonstrating proven scale and impact in renewable energy. The company's North American operations offer the opportunity to work on utility-scale projects while contributing to their mission of creating a cleaner planet. Their pioneering position in the industry means employees work with cutting-edge technology and established processes.

About the role

As LTSA Service Manager, you'll lead negotiations for Long-Term Service Agreements with clients and manage service providers for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects. This role directly impacts project profitability and client satisfaction by ensuring maintenance meets contractual obligations and manufacturer specifications. You'll analyze performance data to identify trends and prepare monthly client reports, making this a data-driven operational leadership position.

A typical day

Your day typically involves reviewing BESS performance data from multiple sites, coordinating with service providers about maintenance schedules, and preparing client reports on system performance. You'll spend time negotiating contract terms for new LTSAs, troubleshooting issues with equipment suppliers, and ensuring all maintenance activities align with both contractual obligations and technical specifications. Regular stakeholder meetings with clients and internal teams ensure service delivery meets expectations across utility-scale projects.

Who Canadian Solar (North America) is looking for

• Electrical or Mechanical engineer with 5+ years managing renewable energy projects involving electrical, controls, and network communication systems
• Proven negotiator who has successfully managed service agreements with multiple stakeholders in power generation environments
• Data analyst comfortable interpreting BESS performance metrics to identify root causes and prepare client-facing reports
• Project manager proficient with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Project who can oversee preventative, corrective, and reactive maintenance schedules

Tips for this application

• Quantify your experience with utility-scale renewable projects - specify MW capacity and project types you've managed
• Highlight specific LTSA or service agreement negotiations you've led, including contract values and stakeholder types
• Demonstrate your experience with BESS or similar energy storage systems, not just solar PV systems
• Show proficiency with both Microsoft Project and the broader Microsoft 365 suite as specified in requirements
• Reference Canadian Solar's 55 GW milestone to show you've researched their scale and market position

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience negotiating service agreements in renewable energy, specifically mentioning LTSAs if applicable', "How you've managed service providers and equipment suppliers to meet contractual maintenance obligations", 'Examples of analyzing performance data to identify trends and prepare client reports in power generation contexts', 'Your engineering background and how it enables you to understand technical specifications for BESS maintenance']

Research before applying

• Canadian Solar's specific BESS projects and their service/maintenance approach in North American markets
• Industry standards for Long-Term Service Agreements in utility-scale renewable energy projects
• The company's recent project announcements in the UK and European markets
• Technical specifications for the BESS systems Canadian Solar typically deploys in utility-scale applications

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe your process for negotiating an LTSA with a client and a Sub-LTSA with a service provider simultaneously
• How would you handle a situation where a service provider fails to meet manufacturer specifications for BESS maintenance?
• Walk us through how you analyze performance data to identify root causes in utility-scale energy storage systems
• What project management methodologies have you used for overseeing preventative, corrective, and reactive maintenance?
• How do you balance client relationship management with enforcing contractual obligations in service agreements?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with only solar PV experience without addressing BESS or energy storage systems knowledge
• Failing to demonstrate specific negotiation experience with service agreements in renewable energy
• Not showing understanding of the difference between managing service providers versus direct project execution