VP Europe Sales
Lead Nel’s commercial organisation across Europe, driving growth, strategic customer relationships and major project opportunities in the evolving green hydrogen market.
We are seeking an experienced commercial leader to head Nel's European commercial organisation. Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, the VP Europe Sales will drive order intake, customer relationships and market development across Nel's four European sales regions: Western, Northern, Central and Southern Europe.
Location: Flexible within Europe. The role requires extensive travel across European markets.
Your New Role
This is a new, hands-on leadership position for someone who combines commercial drive with genuine enthusiasm for the technology being sold. Europe is home to many of the world's most advanced renewable hydrogen projects, and the role puts senior commercial leadership close to Nel's customers and partners.
The successful candidate will lead the regional teams and work closely with the CCO, Technology, Operations, Legal and Finance to convert a strong pipeline of FEED studies and project opportunities into firm orders, as Nel brings its next-generation electrolyser technology to market.
Your Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Develop and execute Nel's commercial strategy for Europe, with clear priorities by region, segment, application and customer group.
Build and manage a qualified pipeline and deliver on targets for order intake, margin and market position.
Lead the pursuit of large, complex projects involving customers, investors, EPC contractors, regulators and public funding bodies.
Lead, coach and develop the regional teams, establishing a common way of working, clear accountabilities and a strong performance culture.
Raise the quality of tenders through disciplined bid management, pricing, risk assessment, contract negotiation and accurate forecasting.
Translate EU and national regulation, subsidy schemes and funding instruments into commercial opportunities, and represent Nel in relevant industry and policy forums.
Channel customer and market insight into Nel's technology development and support the European launch of next-generation platforms.
What We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate combines senior commercial leadership with strong technology fluency and a pan-European track record. Relevant experience may come from hydrogen, the wider energy transition, EPC and complex project sales, industrial gases or complex capital equipment.
You bring with you:
Around 15 years or more of commercial experience, including substantial senior leadership roles.
A track record of leading commercial activities across several European markets.
Proven success in long-cycle, capital-intensive project sales and complex tenders, including bid strategy, pricing and contract negotiation.
Solid understanding of European regulatory frameworks, subsidy schemes and energy transition drivers.
Experience building and leading commercial teams across countries and cultures, ideally in a build-up phase.
Genuine interest in technology and the ability to engage credibly with engineers and customers on technical solutions.
An established network among industrial customers, energy companies, project developers, EPC contractors and investors in Europe.
Experience with structured commercial processes, including CRM, pipeline management and forecasting.
Willingness to travel extensively across Europe.
Direct hydrogen experience would be valuable but is not an absolute requirement.
Leadership style
We are looking for a commercially ambitious, hands-on and decisive leader with high integrity; someone who is personally engaged in key customers, negotiations and tenders, builds trust and accountability in the team, and brings the persistence and resilience needed in a market that is still maturing.
What You Will Get From Working With Us
An opportunity to shape Nel's commercial approach in Europe at an important time for the company and the industry.
A visible and impactful role with senior exposure to customers, partners and policymakers across Europe.
A dynamic and highly professional working environment with competent and committed colleagues.
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, pension and insurance schemes.
About Nel Hydrogen
Nel Hydrogen is the global leader in on-site hydrogen generation and the largest electrolyser manufacturer in the world. Nel Hydrogen is leading the charge into the new green hydrogen economy.
If you are driven by personal initiative combined with loyalty and commitment to your team and the ability to convert complex issues into simple solutions, then we want to talk to you. Join a company that is on the cutting edge of new energy innovations, with an energized, progressive culture.
At Nel, you will join a community where your expertise does more than service a company – it supports a vision. Step into a role where your professional skills will impact the future of green energy.
How to Apply
Nel is partnering with Korn Ferry on this appointment.
To be considered for the position, please submit your application directly to Lars Vaksvik at lars.vaksvik@kornferry.com. Lars will also be happy to answer any questions regarding the position.
- Function
- Sales & Marketing
- Locations
- Oslo, Norway, Brussels, Belgium
- Employment type
- Full-time
About Nel Hydrogen
Nel has a history tracing back to 1927 and is today a leading pure play hydrogen electrolyser technology company with a global presence. The company specializes in Alkaline and PEM technology for production of renewable hydrogen. Nel's product offerings are key enablers for a green hydrogen economy, making it possible to decarbonize various industries such as transportation, refining, steel, and ammonia.