How to apply for Sr. Manager - Business Development

About Nextracker Solar

Nextracker Solar stands out as a leader in solar tracking technology, specifically optimizing solar energy with resilient, high-performance tracking solutions that make renewable power more affordable and efficient. The company focuses on utility-scale solar projects, offering advanced robotics and services that enhance energy yield and reliability, making it an attractive workplace for professionals passionate about driving the renewable energy transition with cutting-edge technology.

About the role

As Sr. Manager - Business Development, you'll drive new business opportunities for Nextracker's robotics and services across North America, leading the entire sales cycle from prospecting to contract closure. This role is impactful because it directly contributes to expanding the company's market share in the utility-scale solar segment by building strategic relationships with key players like IPPs, EPCs, and O&M providers.

A typical day

A typical day involves prospecting for new business opportunities with IPPs and EPCs, developing strategic account plans to maximize revenue, and leading contract negotiations for Nextracker's robotics and services. You'll also spend time building relationships with key industry stakeholders and collaborating with internal teams to execute sales cycles from start to closure.

Who Nextracker Solar is looking for

• Has 5-10 years of solar industry experience with at least 3 years in B2B sales, specifically selling to IPPs, EPCs, OEMs, and O&M providers in utility-scale solar.
• Possesses a Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering, combined with strong technical knowledge of utility-scale solar operations and contract management skills.
• Demonstrates excellent executive-level relationship-building abilities, with proven success in negotiating and closing deals in the renewable energy sector.
• Is strategic and results-driven, capable of developing and executing account plans to maximize revenue growth for Nextracker's robotics and services business.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific experience selling to IPPs, EPCs, or O&M providers in your resume, quantifying revenue growth or deal sizes in the solar industry.
• Tailor your application to mention Nextracker's robotics and services business explicitly, showing you understand their product focus beyond just solar tracking.
• Include keywords from the job description like 'utility-scale solar,' 'contract negotiation,' and 'strategic account plans' in your resume and cover letter.
• Research and reference Nextracker's recent projects or partnerships in North America to demonstrate industry knowledge and genuine interest.
• Emphasize any technical knowledge of solar operations or engineering background, as this role requires understanding utility-scale solar technology.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Explain your direct experience in B2B sales within the solar industry, specifically with IPPs, EPCs, or O&M providers, and how it aligns with Nextracker's focus.", 'Highlight your ability to lead full sales cycles, from prospecting to contract closure, with examples of successful negotiations or revenue growth.', "Demonstrate knowledge of Nextracker's robotics and services business, and how you can contribute to expanding their market share in North America.", "Showcase your strategic planning skills, mentioning how you've developed and executed account plans to drive growth in previous roles."]

Research before applying

• Explore Nextracker's product portfolio, especially their robotics and services offerings, to understand what you'll be selling beyond solar trackers.
• Look into recent news or press releases about Nextracker's projects, partnerships, or market expansion in North America.
• Research the utility-scale solar market in North America, including key players like IPPs and EPCs, to contextualize the role's impact.
• Review the company's mission and values, focusing on how they optimize solar energy with resilient technology, to align your application with their goals.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe your experience selling to IPPs, EPCs, or O&M providers in the solar industry, including specific deals or challenges you've managed.
• How would you develop and execute a strategic account plan for Nextracker's robotics and services business in the North American market?
• Discuss your technical knowledge of utility-scale solar operations and how it informs your sales or negotiation approach.
• What strategies would you use to build long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the utility-scale solar segment?
• How do you stay updated on industry trends, and what opportunities do you see for Nextracker in the evolving renewable energy landscape?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with a generic resume that doesn't specify solar industry experience or B2B sales to the required stakeholders like IPPs or EPCs.
• Failing to demonstrate technical knowledge of utility-scale solar operations, which is crucial for this role's negotiation and relationship-building aspects.
• Overlooking the focus on Nextracker's robotics and services business, treating it as a general solar sales role without tailoring your application accordingly.