The solar electric industry is an exciting and rapidly growing business, providing excellent career opportunities and the satisfaction of having a positive impact on the environment. SunPower Corp. designs, manufactures and markets high-performance solar electric technology worldwide. SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells and panels generate up to 50 percent more power per unit area than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. For more information on SunPower please visit our website at www.sunpowercorp.com.
Position Responsibilities
SunPower is rapidly expanding its international presence, and SunPower is seeking an experienced Business Development Director to develop its market entry strategy and commercial sales activities in China.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Develop SunPower’s formal business plan defining market entry strategy, channel/business model, sales forecast and resource plan for the mainland Chinese market. Determine optimal market entry method -- whether organic, acquisition, joint venture or other.
• Serve as owner and single point of contact for all SunPower commercial activities in China. Own revenue generation in China for all SunPower customer segments, including residential, commercial and power plant.
• Develop pipeline of commercial sales opportunities and drive conversion of opportunities into revenue.
• Position SunPower as the solar solution of choice among prospects and against competing solutions.
• Drive and negotiate partnerships with new or existing customers, suppliers or other partners.
• If necessary, liaise with government entities and industry associations to influence PV/solar policy design in China.
• Work closely with SunPower business units and corporate functions on commercial proposals, technical assistance, forecasting, sales operations and monitoring of ongoing market/competitive activity.
The preferred evolution path for the Business Development Director is to play a leadership role in the execution of the market entry business plan and in the ongoing management of the China operation.
Reporting Structure
Position reports to the General Manager, International Business Development Group, responsible for directing SunPower strategy and revenue generation in high-potential emerging markets.
This position will be based in Shanghai, China.
Frequent travel (30-40%) required within China, with occasional travel to US or European SunPower offices depending on business unit interaction.
Education and Experience
• University degree in engineering, economics or business. MBA required.
• 8-10 years in Chinese energy industry or policy environment – ideally in the renewables segment.
• Previous experience in strategic planning, business development and/or commercial sales, with 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in opening and/or growing revenues in the Chinese market -- ideally for a foreign company.
Skills and Qualifications
• Fluent in Chinese (Mandarin) and English.
• Deep cultural and practical knowledge of China, and of how to achieve business success in China.
• Strong leadership and strategic skills with an ability to balance and prioritize competing interests.
• Excellent judgment and highest ethical standards, with ability to serve as the face of SunPower in China.
• Energetic and aggressive in pursuing opportunities.
• Results-oriented with the ability to work independently, with light supervision, in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to communicate clearly, in both oral and written form, across cultural boundaries.
• Strong desire to advance the adoption of renewable energies in the global energy mix.
• Legally able to work in China.
