Territory Sales Manager | Midwest (Chicago, IL)

Why Work at SMA America

At SMA America , we believe in Energy that Changes . Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy.

But we’re not just transforming power — we’re empowering people.

We’ve built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.

Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.

Territory Sales Manager – HBS | Midwest

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis

SMA America does not offer employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN visas

Candidates who currently require or will in the future require visa sponsorship are not eligible

Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa-tied employment authorization are also not eligible

AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS

We review all resumes and application materials for AI-generated content

Submissions that show evidence of AI manipulation will be disqualified from consideration without further review

We want to hear your authentic voice and see your genuine experience

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The Territory Sales Manager – HBS is responsible for identifying, developing, and driving profitable business growth opportunities for SMA America's hybrid battery storage and residential solar solutions within an assigned regional territory. This position leads an aggressive build-up of SMA's market share by expanding business partnerships, highlighting value-add features, and developing new relationships with authorized channel partners and solar installers.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Build and maintain relationships with all authorized distributors within the assigned territory

Identify market opportunities within the assigned region and develop strategies to penetrate those markets

Prospect for and target solar installers with authorized distributor partners in assigned territory

Increase SMA sales by building relationships with key installers, delivering value-added features, and increasing SMA portfolio share through authorized channel partners

Successfully execute a brand and messaging strategy that positions SMA as an industry leader in the alternative energy industry

Initiate and implement strategic alliances with key partners through authorized channel partners

Conduct prospecting and outreach to current and potential customers; set appointments to discuss PV technologies and solutions

Participate in residential PV conferences, authorized distributor tradeshows, NEC code conferences, and industry symposiums to encourage and influence the use and acceptance of SMA products and technologies

Meet with authorized distributor partners and installers to promote the benefits of SMA technology and convert potential customers from competitors

Serve as an SMA advocate and provide outstanding customer support to all stakeholders

Maintain accurate records of customer activity and pipeline in CRM systems with organizational discipline

Travel to Rocklin-based offices, tradeshows, customer meetings, and periodic business trips to Canada (conferences, customer meetings) as needed

Other duties as may be required or assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in a technical field, preferably with emphasis in electrical or mechanical engineering

Project management experience is a plus

Experience working within a distribution channel is a plus

Minimum 2 to 3 years of experience in a sales or account manager role

Solar or renewable energy industry sales experience strongly preferred; this role requires ramping quickly on both sales execution and technical product knowledge

Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with authorized distributors, installers, and key industry partners

Understanding of residential solar/PV design and hybrid battery storage solutions

Valid passport required; this role includes periodic business travel to Canada

OTHER SPECIALIZED SKILLS

Knowledge of strategic selling principles and key account management are preferred

Strong project management and organizational skills

Excellent negotiation and presentation skills

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to directly or indirectly influence people across channel partner organizations

Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively

Ability to work effectively and independently within a matrix organization

Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is required

German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and CRM systems is strongly preferred

Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy required

Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required

Ability to travel domestically and to Canada as needed

WE OFFER

Compensation: OTE $118,500-$133,000 at 100% of sales target, with the ability to earn above target through overachievement

Location: Remote, based within the Midwest/Chicago, IL territory. Chicago, IL is strongly preferred given customer concentration and major airport access; candidates in other locations with strong major-airport access will also be considered. Candidates not currently based in-territory must relocate within 3 months of hire; relocation assistance provided per company policy

Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage with $0 premium options

401(k) plan with company match

Opportunities for professional development, training, and industry engagement

Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment

Our EEO Policy 

We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.

In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.

Our Privacy Policy

During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.

If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at US_DataPrivacy@sma-america.com