Trina Solar
Sales Manager (PV) South Africa
TLDR
Lead strategic sales initiatives and expand the distributor network in the thriving renewable energy sector, leveraging commercial negotiation skills and market analysis.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute annual sales and distribution business plans with channel partners, distributors, and key accounts; track performance against monthly, quarterly, and annual targets.
- Build, manage, and expand a strong network of PV distributors and channel partners across assigned markets.
- Lead commercial negotiations with distributors and partners, including pricing structures, rebates, margins, and contract terms.
- Manage credit control, payment terms, and ensure timely collection from distribution partners and key accounts.
- Provide accurate sales forecasts, demand planning, and pipeline updates on a monthly and weekly basis.
- Identify, onboard, and develop new distribution partners in line with company channel expansion strategy.
- Monitor competitor pricing, distributor activities, and market trends to optimize channel strategy and maintain competitiveness.
- Manage key distributor relationships through structured account planning and regular business reviews.
- Support product launches, marketing campaigns, and channel incentive programs in coordination with marketing and product teams.
- Assist in tender-related opportunities where distribution channels are involved, ensuring commercial alignment and coordination.
- Ensure strong after-sales support coordination between distributors, service teams, and end customers.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management to support regional growth objectives.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in sales, channel management, or distribution business within the PV, renewable energy, or energy storage industry.
- Proven experience working with distributors, wholesalers, or channel partners in fast-growing energy markets.
- Strong understanding of the PV industry, including modules, inverters, energy storage systems, and downstream distribution models.
- Knowledge of PV system fundamentals (on-grid/off-grid) and Balance of System (BOS) components is an advantage.
- Experience in managing commercial negotiations and distribution agreements.
- Familiarity with channel-based sales strategies and market expansion approaches.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong English communication skills (written and verbal) are required.
- Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with a distribution-first mindset.
- Highly self-driven, independent, and results-oriented.
- Ability to manage multiple distributor accounts across different markets.
- Strong analytical skills for forecasting, pricing strategy, and market analysis.
- Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-changing competitive environment.
- Willingness to travel frequently for distributor and market development activities.
Trina Solar develops and implements advanced solar technology and energy storage solutions, specializing in Battery Energy Storage Systems and Power Conversion Systems. Targeting the renewable energy market, we aim to provide innovative products that enhance the efficiency and accessibility of solar energy.
Sales Manager