How to apply for Sales Manager (m/w/d) – Photovoltaik, Wärmepumpe & intelligente Energiesysteme - 1KOMMA5° Region Plön / Bad Segeberg / Ratzeburg / Rendsburg / Schleswig

About 1KOMMA5°

1KOMMA5° is a fast-growing climate tech company founded in 2021 that integrates photovoltaics, heat pumps, and charging infrastructure to make buildings CO2-neutral. With over 65 locations and 1,500 employees across Europe and Australia, it offers a dynamic, mission-driven environment where you can directly accelerate the decentralized energy transition. Working here means being part of an innovative network that combines regional craftsmanship with cutting-edge IoT and dynamic energy tariffs.

About the role

As a Sales Manager for the Plön / Bad Segeberg / Ratzeburg / Rendsburg / Schleswig region, you will drive the adoption of 1KOMMA5°'s holistic energy solutions by acquiring and advising residential and commercial customers. You will be the face of the company in your region, managing the entire sales cycle from lead generation to closing, and ensuring customers benefit from the intelligent Heartbeat energy management system. Your success directly contributes to reducing carbon emissions and empowering communities with clean, affordable energy.

A typical day

A typical day might involve following up on leads from marketing campaigns, conducting on-site consultations with homeowners to assess their energy needs, and preparing customized proposals using 1KOMMA5°'s tools. You'll also collaborate with the regional installation team to ensure smooth project handovers and attend virtual team meetings to share best practices. Expect a mix of driving to appointments, virtual calls, and CRM updates, all while contributing to the mission of decentralized clean energy.

Who 1KOMMA5° is looking for

• Proven sales experience in renewable energy, construction, or technical solutions, ideally with photovoltaics, heat pumps, or smart home technologies.
• Strong regional knowledge of the Plön, Bad Segeberg, Ratzeburg, Rendsburg, or Schleswig areas, with an existing network of potential customers or partners.
• Ability to explain complex technical products in a clear, compelling way to diverse audiences, from homeowners to business owners.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and comfortable working remotely while collaborating with a nationwide team.
• Fluency in German (C1/C2) and a valid driver's license for regional travel.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your familiarity with the specific region (Plön, Bad Segeberg, etc.) and any local network you have, as 1KOMMA5° values regional ties for building trust.
• Quantify your sales achievements, especially in renewable energy or technical B2C/B2B sales, using metrics like revenue generated or number of installations closed.
• Demonstrate your understanding of 1KOMMA5°'s products (Heartbeat, Dynamic Pulse) and how they differentiate from competitors in your cover letter or interview.
• Emphasize your ability to work independently in a remote setup while staying connected to the team, as the role is remote but regionally focused.
• Mention any experience with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and consultative selling, as these are likely part of the daily workflow.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your connection to the region and why you are the ideal person to represent 1KOMMA5° there.', 'A specific example of a successful sale in a related field (e.g., solar, heat pumps, energy storage) and how you overcame a challenge.', "Your passion for sustainability and how you align with 1KOMMA5°'s mission to make buildings CO2-neutral.", 'Your ability to explain technical concepts simply and build long-term customer relationships.']

Research before applying

• Explore 1KOMMA5°'s website, especially the 'Heartbeat' and 'Dynamic Pulse' products, to understand their unique value proposition.
• Research the German renewable energy market, including current subsidies (e.g., KfW) and regulations affecting PV and heat pump installations.
• Look into 1KOMMA5°'s recent acquisitions and expansion plans to understand their growth strategy and regional presence.
• Check LinkedIn for profiles of current Sales Managers at 1KOMMA5° to understand their backgrounds and typical career paths.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach selling 1KOMMA5°'s integrated solution (PV + heat pump + charging) to a homeowner who is only interested in one component?
• Describe your strategy for generating leads in a new region and building a pipeline from scratch.
• How do you stay updated on industry trends and regulations (e.g., EEG, subsidies) to advise customers effectively?
• Give an example of a time you had to handle a complex sales cycle with multiple stakeholders and how you managed it.
• Why do you want to work for 1KOMMA5° specifically, and how do you see the role evolving as the company grows?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the specific region or 1KOMMA5°'s products, as this shows lack of genuine interest.
• Focusing only on your sales numbers without explaining how you build trust and educate customers in a technical industry.
• Neglecting to mention your ability to work remotely and independently, as this role requires self-discipline and proactive communication.