Sales Analyst I (location can be Tempe, AZ; Perrysburg, OH or Santa Clara, CA) at First Solar Inc in Tempe, Arizona

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.

Under our FLEX policy, the work schedule for this position would be hybrid of working in the office, and working remotely. Eligible candidates must live within commutable distance to the office which means in either Tempe/Phoenix, Arizona OR Perrysburg/Toledo, Ohio or southeast Michigan OR Santa Clara, California.

Basic Job Functions:

The US Origination team manages partnerships and sales with buyers of FS technology for utility-scale solar power plants. This is a growing, fast-paced team, with the ability to engage on a global scale. 

The Sales Analyst will be responsible for supporting deal leads in originating and transacting technology sales. This entails supporting key sales activities such as customer onboarding, lead vetting, technical due diligence, and RFP response. The position will interface with and coordinate internally across project finance, product management, supply chain, warranty, O&M, engineering, and construction representatives.

Experience:    

• Prior experience preferred in engineering, finance, sales, or sales support role


• Familiarity with solar or renewable energy modeling, design, or construction preferred

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, Business, or other analytical fields

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Demonstrated passion for renewable energy and solar power


• Proficient in using MS Office Suite, with emphasis Excel and PowerPoint


• Strong interpersonal skills; excellent written and oral communications skills


• Ability to absorb and process information to prepare and present to internal stakeholders


• Strong critical thinking, planning, organization, and execution skills


• Self-motivated, demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative


• Ability to anticipate issues and recommend solutions


• Ability to receive and apply constructive feedback and guidance to improve work product

Essential Responsibilities:

• Support the training and education of customers on First Solar’s value proposition and provide timely responses to customer inquiries


• Research and build knowledge of both internal technology updates and wider solar industry trends


• Support Sales Associates in responding to customer requests for information on First Solar products and services in a timely and professional manner


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


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


• Support deal leads throughout the transaction and execution process


• Attend customer meetings and conferences when required


• Vet and support further engagement of inbound leads


• Build familiarity with Salesforce and other CRM, with eventual goal of managing and maintaining sales opportunities


• Other duties as assigned


• Job description subject to change at any time

Travel:

• Travel: 10 – 20% (inclusive of local travel for customer meetings)

US Physical Requirements:

Office 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.