Strategic Sales Manager -- Large Scale | Midwest (Chicago, IL)

SMA America

6h • $170,000 - $190,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Strategic Sales Manager – Large Scale is responsible for identifying, developing, and driving profitable business growth opportunities for SMA America's utility-scale solar and battery energy storage solutions across an assigned North American territory. This position works within a matrix organization with SMA's headquarters in Germany and North America, and contributes to the success of the global Large Scale sales team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a commercial or technical field is required.
• 5-10 years of successful, demonstrable sales or business development experience in advanced technology industries, with strong engineering understanding.
• Experience in electrical systems, solar/PV design, or related fields is required.
• Proven track record of managing large, complex customers in cross-functional matrix environments with lengthy design, qualification, and project sales cycles across multiple decision-makers.
• Understanding of and prior engagement with utilities, IPPs, end users, and the broader U.S. energy sector.
• Understanding of utility grid operations, power plants, energy transmission and delivery, and associated services.
• Requires an influential network of senior-level industry contacts, understanding of market trends and industry drivers, and familiarity with full system technology roadmaps.
• Solid knowledge of strategic and solutions selling; large account management experience required.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
• Highly driven, motivated, and energetic self-starter mentality with full dedication and commitment to attacking the market.
• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard industry management programs (Salesforce, SharePoint) required.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a remote team structure; requires strong initiative, discipline, and self-management.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• SMA America does not offer employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN visas.
• Candidates who currently require or will in the future require visa sponsorship are not eligible for this role.
• Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa-tied employment authorization are also not eligible.
• This position is open to candidates located within the continental United States only.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree or post-graduate certification in renewable energy or a related discipline is preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develops and manages key accounts within the assigned territory, with a focus on utility-scale PV and BESS opportunities.
• Builds and maintains senior-level relationships with IPPs, EPCs, developers, utilities, and other key decision-makers across the energy sector.
• Develops effective long-term strategic plans to capture market share and maximize sales revenue within the assigned territory.
• Executes a complex solutions selling approach at the executive level to drive technology alignment and forward roadmap development.
• Develops comprehensive short and long-term sales strategies to maximize business capture across the customer base.
• Develops business cases and strategic plans to feed market input, industry data, and customer requirements into internal business unit product and solutions development cycles.
• Actively owns, drives, and manages monthly pipeline business forecast and addresses any issues for successful and timely resolution.
• Implements and improves sales cycle, systems, and processes as required to drive improved effectiveness and profitability.
• Collaborates with internal colleagues across sales, product management, engineering, and service teams to ensure alignment on technical requirements and customer needs.
• Maintains accurate records of customer activity and pipeline in CRM systems with thorough organizational discipline and direct management reporting.
• Attends relevant trade shows, conferences, seminars, and industry events as required.
• Travels to Rocklin-based offices, tradeshows, and customer meetings as needed.
• Travels to SMA headquarters in Kassel, Germany for alignment within the business unit as needed.
• Other duties as may be required or assigned.

Benefits

• Base salary range of $130,000 to $150,000 annually, dependent on experience, plus $40,000 variable compensation (TTC $170,000 – $190,000).
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and industry engagement.
• Relocation assistance available; budget to be confirmed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior