Business Development Analyst II at First Solar Inc in Santa Clara, California

Job Description:

First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Basic Job Functions:  

The First Solar Technology Sales & Origination team manages sales and relationships with buyers of First Solar PV module technology across customer groups of Developers, IPPs, Utilities, and EPCs. As the leading supplier of utility-scale solar projects in the U.S. market, First Solar is growing this fast-paced team to engage across the national utility-scale solar development sector. 

The Business Analyst II is responsible for critical sales operations and customer-facing actions, including price modeling, energy performance modeling, bid support, customer technology onboarding, sales presentation preparation, competitive landscape analyses, and managing various sales systems and processes.  This position will interface cross-functionally with First Solar’s Product Management, Demand Allocation, Technical Sales, Fulfillment, Contract Execution, and Logistics departments. The Business Development Analyst II must be able to navigate engagement with internal and external stakeholders, as well as executive leaders from First Solar and customer companies.  Since this position supports First Solar’s primary market and ambitious booking targets, the Business Analyst II will not only directly engage in key sales processes, but also contribute to long-term, strategic planning.

The Business Development Analyst II must be strongly motivated, a quick learner, and a self-starter. This team values individuals with both impressive technical skillsets and a sociable disposition.

Experience:    

• Minimum 1 - 2 years experience within the solar industry, ideally in a technical, sales, or product management role (a Master’s Degree can count for 1 year of experience).


• Prior experience supporting B2B sales accounts technically and/or commercially a plus

Education:

• Bachelor's degree highlighting exemplary scholarly performance in a technical or analytical field (Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Etc.)  


• Master’s Degree in Business or Engineering preferred

Required Skills/Competencies:

• A passion for renewable energy, innovative PV technology, and American manufacturing


• Core values prioritize teamwork, integrity, attention to detail, and excellence in work product


• Strong interpersonal skills; excellent written and oral communication skills


• Self-motivated with critical thinking, planning, organization, and execution mindset


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative


• Proven ability to understand, process, and simplify analytical information to present to internal stakeholders


• Highly organized and efficient with time management. Able to track and execute across several workflows simultaneously.


• Ability to clearly and rapidly define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions


• High-level of proficiency in using MS Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint


• Knowledge of financial modeling and experience with energy prediction software preferred


• Understanding of PV technology landscape (power markets, players, and LCOE drivers) preferred


• Experience with Salesforce and other CRMs preferred

Essential Responsibilities

• Support deal leads in customer engagement and relationship building within the U.S. utility-scale solar market by preparing comparative technology analyses, financial models, and technical sales presentations


• Own sales support for PV project fulfillment, maintaining commercial oversight of contracted delivery commitments


• Attend meetings and virtual or in-person conferences and build relationships with current and prospective customers


• Drive customer education on First Solar’s value proposition and provide timely response to customer inquiries, both technical and commercial


• Run competitive analyses on First Solar technology relative to other products in the market


• Maintain up-to-date technical sales collateral in preparation for and response to Requests for Proposal (RFPs)


• Track and analyze opportunity pipelines within Salesforce; vet and support further engagement of inbound leads


• Build and maintain tools in Excel for use in sales meetings and presentations


• Engage with Fulfillment and Logistics to ensure sales execution success


• Other duties as assigned


• Job description subject to change at any time

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will report directly to First Solar’s Manager of Technology Sales & Origination.


• The analyst may also support other US-based Origination leads.

Travel:

• 10 - 40%

US Physical Requirements:

All positions in our office require interaction with people and technology while either standing or sitting. In order to best service our customers, internal and external, all associates must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation. First Solar is committed to compliance with its obligations under all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. In keeping with this commitment, it attempts to reasonably accommodate applicants and employees in accordance with the requirements of the disability discrimination laws. It also invites individuals with disabilities to participate in a good faith, interactive process to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made without imposing an undue hardship.

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check band any other tests that may be required.      

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.