Meet Jens Haugaard, EMEA Key Account Manager - Datacentre
From Quotation Engineer to data centre sales in Europe
When Jens Haugaard joined Titech in 2019, he was hired as a quotation estimator. Since then, the company has become part of the Elcor Group as Elcor Titech. Over the same period, Jens’s own career has developed significantly. From calculating quotations, he now works in sales and consultancy for some of Europe’s largest data centre projects.
His journey is an example of how curiosity, professional development and a desire to seize new opportunities can open doors throughout one’s career.
A career built on curiosity
Jens is a qualified electrician and was hired as a quotation estimator. After a couple of years in the role, he felt the urge to get closer to the customers and the part of the business that takes place on their premises. He therefore mentioned to his manager, Jesper Steenstrup, Commercial Director at Elcor Titech, that he would like to try his hand at a more customer-facing role if the opportunity arose.
The opportunity came one Saturday.
Jens still remembers the text message he received from Jesper at around 1 pm. The message was brief: “Can I ring you?”
It wasn’t a call he’d been expecting. The company’s external sales representative at the time had decided to move on, and Jesper wanted to know if Jens would be interested in taking over the role.
“I can still remember that text message. I was standing on the lawn at our old house, talking to Jesper. It was many years ago, but that conversation has really stuck with me.”
For Jens, it was a significant turning point. Not only because he was given the chance to try something new, but also because his desire for personal development had been recognised.
At the time, he had no real sales experience. Yet he was given the chance.
He accepted the role and threw himself wholeheartedly into the task. It marked the start of a journey that has since led him to take on ever-greater responsibilities.
Today, he works in sales and consultancy within the field of switchboards and has most recently been given responsibility for growing Elcor’s data centre business in Europe.
From standard installations to critical infrastructure
Over the years, Jens has helped to keep pace with developments in both the scale and complexity of projects.
Whereas, as an electrician, he worked on traditional installations, he now deals with advanced distribution boards for critical infrastructure, where operational reliability and high quality are essential.
This has also given him unique insight into the expertise available within the Elcor Group.
Switchboards are a central part of Elcor’s business, and customers are increasingly seeking advice and technical consultation right from the early stages of a project. Here, Jens finds that the Group’s
collective experience and specialist knowledge make a noticeable difference.
“We don’t just sell an electrical switchboard. We help customers find the right solution. At the same time, we have access to a vast range of expertise across the group, and that is a major strength in our day-to-day work.”
In recent years, data centres have become a particular area of focus. The requirements for operational stability, scalability and security of supply are high, and distribution boards play a central role here. It is a growing market and an area where Jens sees great opportunities for both
customers and Elcor.
Development
Development through collaboration
When Jens looks back on his time at the company, he highlights in particular the people he works with.
Much of the knowledge he draws on today has been built up through discussions with colleagues who, over many years, have specialised in various areas of the switchboard industry.
This applies both in Odense and across the group, where knowledge-sharing and collaboration are a natural part of everyday life.
For Jens, this is also an example of what he values most about Elcor Titech. Opportunities do not necessarily depend on job titles or lengthy qualifications, but on commitment, curiosity and the desire to develop.
Over the years, he has worked closely with both colleagues and managers who have shared their experience and professional knowledge. This has been crucial to the development that has taken him from a quotation estimator to an international sales role.
A strong sense of community
Although technology plays a major part in Jens’s day-to-day work, it is not the only reason he is still at Elcor Titech.
The camaraderie amongst colleagues is just as important.
He highlights an informal culture where people help one another, share experiences and welcome new staff. From day-to-day collaboration to Friday breakfasts, social events and shared experiences, he
finds himself in a workplace where the professional and the social go hand in hand.
“The first thing that will pleasantly surprise many new employees is the sense of community. People know one another, help one another and take a genuine interest in those they work with.”
Jens Haugaard
Ready for the next chapter
In the coming years, Jens is looking forward to helping develop Elcor’s position in the European data centre market.
Data centres are a growing sector, and the need for robust and reliable distribution boards is constantly increasing. This presents exciting opportunities both for the company and for Jens himself.
If he had to single out one thing that has shaped his own journey, it would be the importance of being curious and having the courage to speak up about what you want.
He did just that several years ago. One Saturday afternoon, that wish turned into an opportunity, and since then his career path has taken him from preparing quotations to taking on international
responsibility.
For Jens, this is proof that development rarely follows a set plan. Sometimes it begins with a conversation, a manager who listens, and the courage to seize the opportunity when it arises.
Community that makes a difference
Relationships between colleagues are a key part of job satisfaction.
“We are good at looking out for one another. You can tell if someone isn’t feeling well – and then you respond to it.”
This also applies when new colleagues join. They are welcomed into a working environment where we help one another, share knowledge and ensure that everyone settles into their roles and becomes a natural part of the community.
The journey
Three words about the journey
If Jens were to sum up his journey from Quotation Estimator to data centre sales in three words, these three stand out.
Three words that together tell the story of how curiosity and the courage to speak up turned a Saturday phone call into a career with international responsibility.
- Curiosity
- Courage
- Trust