Strategic Supply Chain Lead
Nel HydrogenHelp scale one of the world's leading hydrogen companies. As Strategic Supply Chain Lead at Nel, you'll play a key role in building the supplier network behind the next generation of PEM electrolyser technology. Working across engineering, operations, and manufacturing, you'll help turn innovative technology into large-scale industrial reality. In this role, you won't just optimize sourcing, you will build resilient, scalable supplier networks that enable us to take hydrogen from innovation to global deployment. With a highly visible role and close collaboration across global suppliers, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Operations, you will have direct influence on cost, performance, and scalability in a complex manufacturing environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the green transition while being part of a collaborative and high-performing team. Why this role matters Nel is scaling PEM electrolyser manufacturing to meet growing global demand for green hydrogen. To support this growth, we're strengthening our strategic supply chain capabilities. This role will have a direct impact on supplier strategy, manufacturing scalability, cost competitiveness, and long-term business success. Your new role As a Strategic Supply Chain Lead, you will be responsible for developing and executing the supply chain strategy supporting PEM electrolyser manufacturing - from development through commercial scale. You will be involved in translating product roadmaps, engineering changes, and customer deployment plans into reliable, scalable supply chain decisions, working closely with Technology and Operations. Your Responsibilities Develop and execute supplier and category strategies for critical electrolyser components, ensuring alignment with business growth, technology requirements, and manufacturing needs Build and maintain a strong supplier network by identifying, qualifying, negotiating with, onboarding, and developing strategic suppliers that support scalability, continuity, and competitiveness. Lead commercial discussions and supply agreements, balancing cost, quality, delivery performance, and long-term supplier partnerships. Drive cost optimization initiatives across the supply chain through strategic sourcing, specification improvements, total cost of ownership analysis, and continuous improvement programs. Partner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to translate product roadmaps, customer demand, and business priorities into effective supply chain decisions. Monitor supplier performance, capacity, lead times, inventory positions, and operational risks, ensuring robust mitigation plans and sustainable supply. Own supplier forecasting and planning processes, helping ensure manufacturing readiness and supporting global deployment plans. Lead strategic supplier reviews and provide insights to management on supplier performance, risk, cost outlook, and opportunities for improvement. Support supplier corrective action governance, including containment and recovery timelines The above statements reflect the principal functions of the position and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job. What We Are Looking For We are looking for a strategic and hands-on supply chain leader who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and enjoys building strong partnerships across functions and suppliers. You will likely bring: A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Engineering, or a related field. MBA and/or APICS certification are preferred 8+ years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, procurement, or supplier management strategies within a complex manufacturing environment. A track record of developing supplier strategies, managing supplier performance, and driving cost, quality, and delivery improvements Experience working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams to translate …