Solar Operations Manager Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

About the Company

With over 20 years of developing and installing renewable solutions in Utah, Gardner Energy is one of the longest running solar companies in Utah. Building on decades of local credibility, strong brand equity, and a renewed commitment to scalable, high quality solar solutions we are now expanding aggressively in the state’s residential solar market. We are seeking a Division Manager, Residential Solar to lead, grow, and own our residential solar division—responsible for both business development and operational performance.

This is a senior, hands on leadership role ideal for someone who has spent years inside a residential solar business, understands every functional area end to end, and is passionate about building one of Utah’s dominant players in the coming consolidation of the residential solar market.

Role Mission & What Success Looks Like

• Residential solar revenue and profitability grow significantly year over year.
• Gardner Energy becomes recognized as a top trusted solar brand in Utah and has material market share that meet business targets.
• Brand position and strategy drives a sales pipeline that is predictable, scalable, and high quality.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Sales, Business Growth, & Market Leadership

• Develop and execute a clear strategy to significantly expand Gardner’s share of the Utah residential solar market.
• Build and manage a scalable residential solar sales pipeline—including direct sales, channel partnerships, community programs, and marketing-supported inbound opportunities.
• Identify new revenue streams within residential solar, including system upgrades, battery add-ons, service plans, and referral programs.
• Analyze market conditions, competitor activity, policy/regulatory changes, pricing strategies, and customer data to inform growth decisions.
• Represent the division internally as the key business owner—responsible for P&L performance, budget, margin targets, and revenue forecasts.
• Directly own and run the sales and preconstruction processes, including customer acquisition, scoping, design, and permitting, with potential to hire and hand off the execution as the business opportunities and revenues grow.

Operational Oversight (Supported by Direct Report)

Although the day-to-day construction and service operations will be run by an Operations/Project Manager, the ideal candidate is comfortable stepping into any part of the process and providing expert guidance. 

• Lead the residential solar operations team through a direct report responsible for day-to-day execution of installations and service.
• Ensure smooth coordination across sales & preconstruction activity, internal and external design & engineering partners, installation crews, and service technicians.
• Maintain high standards for customer experience, communication, installation quality, and craftsmanship.
• Optimize operational processes to increase throughput, reduce cycle times, and drive profitability.
• Advising, coaching, and supporting project managers and installers with real-world experience from prior hands-on roles.
• Troubleshooting system issues and understanding failure modes.

You do not need to be on the roof every day—but you do need the ability to teach, guide, and ensure excellence.

Leadership & Culture

• Build and lead a motivated, high-performance team with accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture aligned with Gardner’s mission, emphasizing reliability, safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Work directly with executive leadership to shape long-term strategy and investment decisions for the residential solar division.
• Bring a founder-like mentality—fully owning outcomes, solving problems proactively, and driving momentum.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in the residential solar industry across multiple functional areas (sales, design, operations, project management, channel partnerships, or similar roles), with previous ownership or leadership roles in a residential solar company.
• Proven ability to personally develop and execute sales strategies and/or channel development initiatives.
• Working knowledge of residential solar system design, project scoping, permitting, interconnection, and installation processes.
• Familiarity with Utah’s solar market landscape, utility dynamics, regulatory environment, and customer demographics.
• Experience working with or managing 3rd party design & engineering firms and AHJs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage cross-functional operations.
• Strong business acumen with experience influencing or owning P&L related decisions.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• A passionate belief that the Utah market is entering a consolidation phase, and that Gardner can become one of the top-tier winners, ready to outline clear strategies that will achieve that.

Compensation & Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Bonuses or incentives

Work Environment

• Primarily office work environment with need for in-person presence during business hours. Limited field work during training to get an understanding of Gardner products and services.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c).