Business Development-Robotics and Services

Nextpower is seeking a Business Development Manager for its Robotics and Services team in California, MD. This role focuses on driving sales growth and market expansion for robotic solar inspection and AI fire detection systems. Responsibilities include managing customer relationships, leading the sales cycle, and collaborating with internal teams. Candidates should have 12+ years in the solar industry, strong negotiation skills, and be willing to travel up to 50%.
Job Description The Manager - Business Development will be a key member of Nextpower’s Robotics and Services Business Development team, responsible for driving the commercial strategy and market expansion of Nextpower’s robotic solar inspection systems and AI-powered fire/smoke detection camera systems for large-scale solar assets. This role centers on delivering sales growth, managing strategic customer relationships, and advancing Nextpower’s leadership position within the utility-scale solar market through innovative, technology-driven service offerings. The ideal candidate combines deep solar industry expertise, a strong professional network among Independent Power Producers (IPPs), EPCs, and O&M providers, and a proven record of exceeding revenue targets in a competitive renewable energy landscape. Key Responsibilities - Business Development - Drive new business opportunities for Nextpower's robotics and services business across North America. - Lead all aspects of sales cycle, from prospecting through contract negotiation and closure. - Develop and execute strategic account plans to maximize revenue growth and market share. - Collaborate with Nextpower's global account management team to identify value-add opportunities through robotics and services solutions. - Customer Engagement & Relationship Management - Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with IPPs, EPCs, and O&M providers within the utility-scale solar segment. - Represent Nextpower at conferences/industry events to drive awareness, value proposition and benefits of robotics and services solutions. - Maintain a deep understanding of customer challenges and goals; drive value-added solutions utilizing Nextpower's robotics and services capabilities. - Team Collaboration - Work closely with Nextpower regional sales, marketing, and project management teams to drive training and knowledge sharing of robotics and services solutions. - Collaborate with HQ and global regional Nextpower functions to: (1) quantify product value proposition; (2) prepare localized sales and marketing collateral; (3) facilitate and manage the delivery of technical support to prospective and active customers. - Support and mentor junior sales managers or regional account executives as needed. Qualifications - Experience: 12+ years of experience in the solar industry, with at least 3 years of B2B sales, particularly selling to IPPs, EPCs, industry OEMs, and O&M providers. - Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field. - Skills & Competencies: - Strong negotiation and contract management skills. - Technical knowledge of utility-scale solar operations, including performance challenges within the DC field. - Excellent communication, presentation, and executive-level relationship skills. - Preferred; experience with thermal and computer vision inspection systems. - Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM tools. - Travel: Up to 50%, as required to support customer meetings, industry events, and company meetings. Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpower’s benefits please view our company website at www.Nextpower.com Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is 140,000.00 to 150,000.00 plus a commission structure based on commission calculation, such as percentage of sales or specific metrics. At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure. Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are Nextpower