Technical Sales Consultant - Michigan

Harvest Solar, an equal opportunity employer, is a Michigan-based company that provides cost-effective renewable energy for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers yielding more energy independence by utilizing solar energy. We believe in energy independence and a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Our purpose is to empower people to create and use renewable energy by providing them with the bestinclass service, products, and experience.
We are seeking a Technical Sales Coordinator (TSC) to develop and manage solar project proposals with commercial customers and develop proposals for commercial projects that lead to successful project outcomes for all stakeholders. TSC is responsible for presenting preliminary and formal design, cash flow projections, financing options, project feasibility, communicating effectively with customers, and seeing projects through to full execution. Position will be selling cash, financing, and PPA/lease solar transactions. TSC is required to be a team player and work efficiently within the various departments to hit revenue goals.

Salary
The base salary for the position is $50,000.00 USD based on knowledge, skill and experience with sales commission. The commission percentage varies between 1% and 4% of gross project amount based on job details and competitiveness of bid. Additionally, the TSC is eligible for a quarterly and annual bonus based on the achievement of both company and individual targets. The bonus program, rules, values, targets, and possible payout are subject to review, adjustment, and periodic amendment solely at the discretion of Harvest Solar.

Major Responsibilities of Position

• Work strategically and craft a development plan, maintain an active business pipeline, engage regularly with sales prospects and customer leads.
• Generate commercial and industrial solar leads by working with the marketing department, networking, and other independent lead generation.
• Conduct financial analysis on the customers energy usage and demonstrate the value of solar energy.
• Sell both cash as well as PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) deals.
• Ability to read basic single line drawings and identify commercial-grade electrical equipment.
• Familiarity (not necessarily expertise) with three phase power, large electrical services, and some knowledge of medium voltage systems
• Understanding of utility rate structures and other factors impacting Return on Investment
• Knowledge of solar + storage systems a plus; willingness and ability to learn required.
• Be well versed in presenting the short and long-term financial returns and environmental impact of solar energy.
• Maintain knowledge of financing options for solar, understand the cost benefit analysis and present well on the return on investment.
• Set referral and self-generated appointments.
• Show a consultative based approach to selling the value of solar.
• Log all customer communications in CRM contact database with keen attention to detail.
• Drive satisfaction and future referrals through prompt follow through and friendly customer service
• Maintain knowledge of the status of commercial rebates and incentives at the local, state, and federal level
• Frequently attend industry / networking events, webinars, trade shows, zoning meetings, etc.
• Availability and willingness to often work outside of normal hours to stay caught up and prompt with Customers.
• Represent Harvest Solar as an ambassador for our vision, driving increased solar awareness.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned.

The successful candidate will have: (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes)

• Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to understand financial models and select various types of finance packages based on the client's needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills
• Sales driven and competitive personality.
• Ability to take full ownership of projects and ensure their success even if it means going above and beyond the norm to accomplish them.
• Ability to organize work and tasks to drive results; expected to perform multiple tasks well and in a timely manner, managing several projects at once.
• Ability to interpret relevant industry codes / processes and understand products in a sales and administrative capacity.
• Ability to understand and act effectively in a changing environment as both the industry and organization grow.
• Ability to understand and support a small expanding business by recognizing problems and bringing solutions to the forefront.
• Willing to work hours necessary to support the accomplishment of organizational goals.
• Fluent use of Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.), email etiquette and ability to learn design software.
• Ability to work well individually and as part of a team.

Educational and Certification Background

• Valid State Drivers License, required.
• High school diploma or GED, required.
• 5+ years of technical sales experience (preferably power systems) required; 2+ years of experience in commercial solar sales preferred.
• Knowledge of solar energy and/or solar industry experience, preferred.

Work Environment

• Day travel up to 80% and Overnight-travel up to 10%: Harvest values our employees work life balance and whenever possible, overnight travel is Monday through Friday. Food per diem, hotel and transportations costs are covered for travel.
• Commercial Construction Setting 10% of the time: Job Site terrain and outdoor work with exposure to weather fluctuations in addition to construction site hazards.
• Office Environment 10% of the time: Busy office with frequent interruptions and multi-tasking required; standard office equipment is available including Microsoft Office

Benefit Offerings Harvest Solar employees are eligible for the following benefits programs:

Immediately after Hire:

• Nine Paid Holidays per Year. Including: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve.
• Paid Vacation: Vacation time is accrued each week at a rate of 1.5384 to achieve 80 hours in the calendar year. Unused vacation can be paid out and/or up to 40 unused hours can be rolled over at year end.

The First of the Month after the Date of Hire:

• Health Insurance. The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
  • Option 1: UnitedHealthcare, Choice Plus HSA 2000 Plan
    • Members can seek care from in-network and out-of-network providers.
    • Preventive care covered 100% when received in-network.
    • Tier 1 Providers provide members the greatest value.
    • HSA compatible health plan. An HSA is a tax-deductible savings account used in conjunction with the health plan. Contribution limits are determined by the IRS. Harvest Solar will make the following weekly deposit into your HSA account based on the coverage options: Associate: $10.64; Associate & Spouse: $27.25; Associate & Child(ren): $21.65; Family: $37.55
  • Option 2: UnitedHealthcare, Choice Plus 500 Plan
    • Members can seek care from in-network and out-of-network providers.
    • Preventive care covered 100% when received in-network.
    • Tier 1 Providers provide members the greatest value.
    • Not an HSA compatible health plan).
• Dental Insurance The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
• Vision Insurance: The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
• Group Life Insurance: $50,000.00 of group life insurance, with and Accident Death clause. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar
• Group Short Term Disability: 60% of your earnings, with a $1,000.00 weekly maximum, are available for injury or illness after a seven-day waiting period. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar.
• Voluntary Supplemental Programs: Accident, Critical illness, and Hospital Indemnity are available at the associates expense. Plans are organized through Allstate and premiums are paid through payroll deduction.

At 90 Days of Employment:

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 40 Hours are available each year on January 1. PTO Is available to assist you in managing your time off work for personal appointments. PTO does not rollover, nor is it paid out at the end of the year, unused PTO is forfeited. In the first year of employment available hours are prorated based on your date of hire.

The First of the Month After 90-Days of Employment:

• Harvest Solar 401k Plan: Associates are auto enrolled at a 3% deferral rate. The plan is administered by Vestwell. Auto enrolled contribution is invested in a Retire-On-Time plan. Once enrolled, the associate may make changes that include:
  • Increasing the Deferral Rate to the Applicable IRS Limits: A company match is available. When the associate defers 3%, Harvest Solar matches 3%. When the associate defers 4%, the Harvest Solar the first 3.5%. When the associate defers 5%, Harvest Solar matches the first 4%.
  • Changing the Account Type: Both a pre-tax and Roth account is available.
  • Changing the Investment Type: The plan offers standard plans to address risk or age of retirement, or the associate can customize their own investment.