Strategic Marketing Manager, Utility

Advanced Energy (NASDAQ: AEIS) is a global leader in reliable power conversion solutions used in thin-film plasma manufacturing and solar energy generation. Founded in 1981, Advanced Energy is headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado with dedicated support and service locations around the world.

AE's solar energy business delivers highly reliable inverters, complementary BoS products and robust O&M services that allow its customers to secure more solar projects and grow their business. AE Solar Energy enables utility scale, commercial and residential solar project stakeholders to offer system owners a lower LCOE and confidence their PV system will deliver on long-term production goals. With more than 30 years of leadership in delivering innovative energy solutions, combined with a legendary reputation for customer service, AE Solar Energy is a trusted partner to solar project developers, financiers and beneficiaries around the globe.

Position Overview:

Advanced Energy is seeking a strategic marketing professional who will excel in a globally-focused role by providing expert and timely leadership in the utility-scale PV inverter segment.  The Strategic Marketing Manager for the utility segment will define market requirements and segment roadmaps by using their strong ties to the PV industry and deep connections to AE's Engineering, Sales, Operations, Service, Reliability and Executive teams.  The Strategic Marketing Manager will also provide critical guidance for utility-scale inverter products and solutions throughout their product lifecycles from conception to end of life. 

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the US and International markets and bring a passion for developing international solutions.  The ideal candidate will also have the vision and confidence to define what it takes to win in the market 3 years from now.  This position reports to the Director of Strategic Marketing.  The position is located in Ft Collins, CO although there may be flexibility in terms of location for the ideal candidate. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop and communicate crisp market requirements for the utility scale inverter solutions that will enable AE to deliver on its commitment to leading performance, innovation and reliability that in turn enables AE's customers to achieve industry best levelized cost of energy and financial performance.
• Define segment and platform level business plans that are grounded in deep market, technical and finanacial analysis with a mulit-year time horizon.
• Leverage existing market knowledge and quickly gain new insights in terms of regional codes and requirements, technology trends, market conditions and competitive landscape in order to define the utility segment roadmap with a focus on international platforms that can deliver high value across multiple regions.
• Work closely with the Utility Product Manager to effectively translate market requirements into clear and actionable product requirements.
• Drive the definition and continuous refinement of the Whole Product and Value Proposition in partnership with multiple AE resources including Product Marketing, Services and Marketing Communications.
• Provide regular volume and pricing forecasts for the utility inverter market segment by leveraging a variety of inputs including your industry knowledge, sales team relationships and purchased market intelligence.
• Represent AE in a variety of public forums by presenting at conference sessions, webinars and other outwardly focused venues that provide an opportunity to demonstrate thought-leadership and the AE Value Proposition.
• Bring an entrepreneurial spirit to creating innovative and cost-effective solutions that will result in global market adoption of AE utility scale solutions.
• Be the internal and external authority on critical market segment issues and actively engage up and down the AE organization to share your knowledge and gain new insights.
• Passion and confidence to strongly advocate your position across multiple functions and organizational levels.

Qualifications:

Work Environment:

Works in a standard office environment and uses general office equipment (Phone, PC, etc.). Extended hours will be necessary from time to time depending on market conditions.  Domestic and international travel, up to 50% or more is anticipated.  This position has a significant amount of interdepartmental communications.

Skills:

• High integrity in all situations.
• Excellent communication skills in person, in writing, by phone and in large groups. 
• Strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
• Broad understanding of the solar PV industry, or related field such as wind- especially in the utility segment.
• International business skills and a high level of cultural sensitivity. 
• Ability to quickly assimilate market research and competitive analysis.
• Creative problem solving skills - both independently and as part of a team.
• Computer literacy with ability to use Windows, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Energy and ability to motivate others.
• Financial analysis capability.

Experience:

• 2 - 5 years experience in strategic marketing, product marketing or related positions.
• 5 years experience in solar, renewable energy or related distributed generation fields.
• International business experience preferred.
• Second language preferred.

Education:

Essential:

Bachelor's degree or equivialent, with technical aptitude for electrical and/or power systems

Desirable:

Advanced business degree, including M.S. or MBA

Advanced Energy is an EEO/AA employer.