Solar Business Unit Manager

Location: Home and field based, within approximately one hour of Ringwood

Salary: c. £65,000 basic + upto 10% company bonus + electric company car

Benefits: 25 days' holiday, pension, private healthcare, free parking and EV charging, plus regular company social events including partners

Are you experienced within solar and looking for the opportunity to take ownership of a growing business unit?

Aspire Jobs are recruiting exclusively for a fast-growing business within the construction and electrical sector, working across commercial and domestic markets.

They are now looking for an experienced Solar Business Unit Manager to take ownership of and grow their solar division.

This is a hands-on role combining commercial development, technical understanding, project oversight and client management.

You'll inherit a small existing pipeline and will also work alongside the company's central Business Development Manager, who will generate opportunities for the division. However, you'll still be expected to develop relationships, identify opportunities and help grow the business unit.

Just as importantly, once the work is won, you'll stay involved.

You'll work closely with clients, installers, subcontractors, suppliers and the Technical Director to ensure projects are properly quoted, organised and delivered, with the customer kept informed throughout.

This isn't a desk-based "Head of" role. You'll be out meeting clients, visiting sites and working alongside the people delivering the projects.

Job Description

What we're looking for

Ideally, you'll already have experience within the solar industry and enough technical knowledge to understand how a solar PV system comes together.

You'll need to be comfortable using manufacturer-specific software to design systems and prepare quotations. Previous experience of the exact software isn't essential as this can be learned, but you'll need a good grounding in solar and/or electrical systems.

An electrical background combined with solar knowledge could therefore also work particularly well.

You'll also need to:

• Have previous solar, renewables or closely related electrical experience
• Have a good technical understanding of solar PV and/or electrical systems
• Be commercially aware and comfortable developing new business
• Build strong, long-term relationships with clients rather than focusing purely on quick sales
• Be confident preparing quotations and presenting proposals
• Have strong organisational and project management skills
• Be comfortable coordinating subcontract labour and working closely with installers
• Be prepared to visit sites and remain involved throughout project delivery
• Have a strong focus on customer service and reputation
• Hold a full UK driving licence
• Be able to obtain the required security clearance

The role

You'll take responsibility for the solar business unit from initial opportunity through to successful project delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing relationships with new and existing commercial and residential clients
• Working alongside the central BDM to develop incoming opportunities
• Identifying additional opportunities and helping build the solar pipeline
• Attending client meetings and site visits
• Using manufacturer-specific software to design solar PV systems and prepare quotations
• Conducting site surveys and preparing tailored proposals
• Presenting proposals to clients, both in person and online
• Negotiating contracts and pricing with support from the Technical Director
• Overseeing solar PV projects from design and procurement through to installation and commissioning
• Coordinating materials, subcontract labour and installers
• Working closely with administration to ensure MCS and other reporting requirements are met
• Keeping clients updated throughout their projects and resolving any issues
• Ensuring relevant health & safety and regulatory requirements are met
• Identifying potential risks or delays and dealing with them before they become problems
• Keeping up to date with developments within the solar market

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants more ownership than a traditional solar sales or project role.

You'll have the freedom to help shape and grow the division, while having the technical, administrative, business development and financial support of an established company behind you.

If you're commercially minded, technically credible and like being involved from the first client conversation right through to seeing a successful installation completed, we'd like to hear from you.