Direct Sales Manager – DACH Region

AIKO Energy; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aiko Solar seeks a Direct Sales Manager to drive growth in the DACH region for C&I ground-mounted solar projects across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You will independently identify, develop, and close opportunities with direct clients, building a strong pipeline and closing contracts.

Fluency in English is required; German is a strong advantage. Expect extensive travel across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and close collaboration with internal teams for successful project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in direct sales or business development in solar/renewable energy.
• Strong network among C&I off-takers, project developers, or landowners in the DACH region.
• Fluent in English; business-level German preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently prospect, develop, and acquire C&I ground-mounted solar projects across the DACH region.
• Build and manage a robust project pipeline through direct outreach, networking, and market intelligence.
• Engage directly with C&I end customers to propose tailored ground-mount solar solutions.
• Negotiate and close project contracts with direct clients.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities in the DACH C&I ground-mount segment; provide insights to management.
• Represent Aiko Solar at industry events, trade shows, and client meetings.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.
• Provide regular sales forecasts, pipeline updates, and activity reports.

Skills

Direct sales

Business development

Negotiation

Communication

Travel willingness

Self-starter

Fluent English

German language

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Direct Sales Manager – DACH Region

About the Role

• Drive Aiko Solar's growth in the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) ground-mounted solar project segment across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This is a direct sales role focused on independently identifying, developing, and closing C&I ground-mounted solar projects with end customers, rather than managing distribution partners or developing rooftop systems.

Responsibilities

• Independently prospect, develop, and acquire C&I ground-mounted solar projects across the DACH region.
• Build and manage a robust project pipeline through direct outreach, networking, and market intelligence.
• Engage directly with C&I end customers (corporate off-takers, industrial facility owners, mid-sized project developers, landowners) to propose tailored ground-mount solar solutions.
• Negotiate and close project contracts with direct clients.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes (e.g., EEG tenders, permitting), and competitor activities in the DACH C&I ground-mount segment; provide insights to management.
• Represent Aiko Solar at industry events, trade shows, and client meetings.
• Coordinate with internal teams (technical support, legal, finance, HQ) to ensure smooth project execution.
• Provide regular sales forecasts, pipeline updates, and activity reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in direct sales or business development in the solar/renewable energy sector, with a proven track record of closing C&I ground-mounted or small-to-medium scale solar projects.
• Strong understanding of the DACH C&I ground-mount solar market, including tendering systems, permitting processes, and key players.
• Established network among C&I off-takers, project developers, or landowners in the region.
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial, hunter mindset; capable of working independently.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Fluent in English; German is a strong advantage (business-level preferred).
• Willing to travel extensively across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Required Skills

• Proven track record in independent direct sales and closing C&I ground-mounted solar projects.
• Strong network within the DACH C&I ground-mount project development community.
• Market analysis and insight generation.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of DACH tendering systems, permitting, and project financing for C&I ground-mount projects.
• Experience with PPA structures and corporate off-take agreements.

Compensation

• Competitive package based on experience and performance.

Equal Opportunity & Data Privacy

• Aiko Solar is an equal opportunity employer. All applications are handled in compliance with GDPR.