Strategic Supply Chain Lead

Nel Hydrogen•Wallingford, CT

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Nel Hydrogen is looking for a Strategic Supply Chain Lead to drive the end-to-end supply chain strategy for their PEM electrolyser business. This role involves shaping the supply chain strategy behind cutting-edge hydrogen technology, building resilient, scalable supplier networks, and driving cost and performance in complex manufacturing environments. The position offers an opportunity to apply strategic sourcing and supply chain expertise in a global company contributing to the green transition. Nel Hydrogen is a global leader in on-site hydrogen generation and the largest electrolyser manufacturer in the world, leading the charge into the new green hydrogen economy. The company culture is described as energized and progressive, seeking individuals with personal initiative, loyalty, commitment, and the ability to convert complex issues into simple solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials/Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Engineering or Business
8+ years of supply chain experience in complex electro-mechanical systems manufacturing
Strong working knowledge of supplier management, quality systems, and supply chain fundamentals
Proven ability to identify and drive improvements in the supply chain including cost reductions
Demonstrated success partnering with Internal and External Stakeholders; Internal Stakeholders include R&D, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality
Experience scaling from pilot to commercial production and working in a medium‑scale manufacturing or industrial environment
Proven ability to drive change, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Experience with an enterprise-wide ERP system (Business Central preferred)
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills
Able to travel (up to 25%) as needed

Nice To Haves

MBA and/or APICS certification are preferred
Direct experience with PEM electrolysers, fuel cells, or electrochemical systems preferred, including familiarity with Precious Metal (PGM) sourcing dynamics

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a strategic supplier strategy aligned to business growth, technology needs, localization requirements, and business risk; strategy will cover critical electrolyser content including stack hardware, power electronics, system integrators, and ancillary hardware
Work cross-functionally to develop category strategies and translate them into executable sourcing plans
Proactively identify and execute cost reduction initiatives across categories and suppliers, leveraging volume, specification optimization, total cost of ownership analysis, and continuous improvement programs to meet cost objectives
Lead critical supplier qualification including initial screening, capability assessment, quality system review, site audits, support of technical trials, and internal cross-functional approvals
Execute supply agreements including support of commercial negotiations and supplier onboarding requirements
Maintain a qualified supplier pipeline to ensure continuity, scalability, and competitiveness
Own supplier-facing forecasts by translating internal demand plans into supplier schedules
Monitor supplier capacity, lead times, and inventory positions to ensure forecasts are achievable; make recommendations for inventory strategies to management to support sales lead times and cost targets
Develop and execute cost reduction roadmaps including volume-based pricing benefits
Hold regular business reviews with strategic suppliers to review cost, performance, risks, and improvement actions; publish supplier performance dashboards
Support supplier corrective action governance, including containment and recovery timelines
Provide regular updates to management on supplier risk, capacity, cost outlook, and mitigation actions