Technical Development Manager Jobs in Buffalo, NY

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager serves as one of Montante Solar's primary ambassadors to the marketplace, responsible for developing trusted relationships with customers, partners, industry stakeholders, and referral sources while identifying and advancing distributed solar and energy storage opportunities.This position works closely with internal Development, Engineering, Project Management, and Construction teams to deliver distributed energy solutions that create long-term value for customers while supporting the continued growth of Montante Solar.

The successful candidate will combine strong business development and relationship management skills with a passion for renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.Success in this role will be measured not only by closed sales, but by the quality of relationships developed, the strength of the opportunity pipeline, collaboration with internal teams, and the overall customer experience.

Impact

The Solar Business Development Manager directly contributes to the growth of Montante Solar by expanding the distributed energy project pipeline, establishing strategic partnerships, generating new revenue opportunities, and strengthening Montante Solar's presence throughout the regional renewable energy market.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Relationship Management

• Own and manage an active pipeline of qualified opportunities while maintaining accurate forecasting and next-step accountability.
• Develop and maintain relationships with commercial, industrial, municipal, educational, and institutional customers.
• Identify, qualify, and advance distributed solar and energy storage opportunities.
• Generate new business opportunities through networking, referrals, strategic outreach, industry associations, and marketing initiatives.
• Coordinate with Marketing on campaigns, trade shows, customer communications and thought leadership.
• Identify customer success stories and market insights that strengthen the Montante Solar brand.
• Represent Montante Solar at industry events, conferences, trade associations, and community organizations.
• Maintain a strong network of relationships with developers, property owners, brokers, consultants, engineers, utilities, and industry stakeholders.

Business Development Operations

• Own and maintain Sugar CRM as the central repository for all business development activities.
• Coordinate weekly BD meetings and lead review process.
• Ensure opportunities, contacts, next steps and forecasts remain current.
• Develop reports and dashboards that improve sales visibility and accountability.Coordinate internal resources across Development, Engineering, Marketing, Estimating and Construction to advance opportunities and ensure an exceptional customer experience.

Sales & Client Engagement

• Lead prospect engagement from initial contact through contract execution.
• Facilitate customer discovery meetings and identify client objectives.
• Prepare and deliver sales presentations, proposals, and business development materials.
• Lead RFP responses and competitive procurement opportunities.
• Coordinate with Marketing to increase brand awareness and market visibility.
• Support negotiation of commercial agreements and project contracts.

Project Feasibility & Development Support

• Evaluate prospective opportunities for technical and commercial feasibility.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Development teams during project evaluation and preconstruction efforts.
• Assist with project scoping, customer communications, and incentive evaluations.
• Support development activities related to utility interconnection, project economics, and incentive programs.
• Coordinate smooth project handoff to Development and Operations teams.

Market Intelligence & Industry Expertise

• Maintain knowledge of distributed solar, battery energy storage systems, utility regulations, incentive programs, and market trends.
• Develop a working understanding of NYSERDA programs, utility interconnection processes, and distributed generation markets.
• Monitor policy, regulatory, and market developments that may impact project opportunities.
• Participate in professional development, educational workshops, and industry associations.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Ability to develop trusted, long-term client relationships.
• Relationship building and networking
• Business development and strategic prospecting
• Consultative sales and negotiation
• Customer engagement and presentation skills
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Organizational and project coordination skills
• Financial and business acumen
• Self-motivated with a growth mindset
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Ability to learn and communicate technical renewable energy concepts

Travel Required

• Frequent travel throughout New York State and neighboring states.
• Regular attendance at client meetings, industry conferences, networking events, and project-related activities.
• Occasional overnight travel.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, sustainability, environmental studies, engineering, construction management, real estate, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in business development, sales, client relationship management, account management, project development, or a related field.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong verbal, written, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• CRM and proposal writing experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regionally.

Preferred

• Experience in solar energy, energy storage, renewable energy, utilities, engineering, construction, infrastructure development, or a related industry.
• Knowledge of distributed generation markets, utility interconnection processes, incentive programs, and project economics.
• Experience developing commercial or public-sector client relationships.

Compensation Package:

• Competitive base wages starting between $80,000 and $120,000 base per year. Additionally this role will earn commission based on sales. The earning potential has no limitations.
• A comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance with employer contribution towards premium, employer paid life insurance, and employer paid long term disability
• 401k Retirement plan with 4% employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous paid time off (starting at 15 days per calendar year) and 8 paid holidays
  
• Financial insurance protection options which include short- and long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, critical illness and accident insurance,legal and identity theft options, and pet insurance.
• Community and Employee engagement events and initiatives