Strategic Business Development Lead – Solar Markets

First Solar; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar is seeking a Senior Manager to drive growth across markets through cross-functional leadership, strategic market origination, and executive-aligned sales initiatives. You will develop go-to-market strategies, identify market entry points, and manage relationships with anchor customers and partners.

The role requires deep experience in energy markets, strong contract negotiation skills, and the ability to coordinate across regions while obtaining executive approvals for complex deals.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree is required; MBA or Masters of Engineering (or equivalent) a plus.
• 10+ years of work experience in business development, sales, engineering, project management or other relevant business / technical experience
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in the energy, alternative energy and/or utility sectors.
• Prior experience in utility-scale solar energy industry is required.
• Ability to travel to multiple geographies is required.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to the regional Sr. Director for development, market segmentation, origination strategies and collaboration with executive leadership.
• Drive development and alignment of the global business plan and strategy for identified market segments or channels.
• Structure and implement a multi-year, multi-segment Market Strategy with an integrated segmentation strategy and product roadmap.
• Host recurring meetings with stakeholders to align strategies and secure approvals.
• Drive customer intimacy and deep relationships across multiple levels and accounts, ensuring ecosystem enablement and framework agreements.
• Provide cross-functional and executive reporting of key business metrics and corrective actions.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Account management

Cross-functional collaboration

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or Master’s in Engineering (plus)

Job description

First Solar is seeking a Senior Manager to drive growth across markets through cross-functional leadership, strategic market origination, and executive-aligned sales initiatives. You will develop go-to-market strategies, identify market entry points, and manage relationships with anchor customers and partners.

The role requires deep experience in energy markets, strong contract negotiation skills, and the ability to coordinate across regions while obtaining executive approvals for complex deals.