Technical Procurement Manager

Who we are

At Aquablu were disrupting the marketplace with a revolutionary (flavored) water system. Brought to life in 2018 our founders Marnix and Marc promised a healthy but tasty alternative to soft drinks. Since launching our flagship system Aquablu REFILL in 2023 weve grown 300% year-over-year expanded to 16 countries and were named the Fastest Growing Tech Company in Health & Wellness in the Netherlands.

Were an AI-native company. From engineering to sales to operations we build with AI from day one not as an afterthought but as a core part of how we design systems and make decisions.

About the role

Were looking for a Procurement Manager to build our procurement function from scratch designing an AI-driven scalable operation that transforms a fully outsourced process into a strategic in-house capability powering Aquablus next phase of growth.

Heres what makes this role unique: Aquablu is a vertically integrated hardware company. We design engineer and develop everything in-house from industrial design and mechanical engineering to embedded software and IoT connectivity. We then work with external contract manufacturers to assemble our products. That means procurement sits at the heart of the business: youll be the critical link between our R&D teams designing the next generation of products and the external partners who bring them to life.

This isnt about slotting into an existing system. There is no system yet. Youll architect the procurement function with AI and automation built into its DNA from the start designing workflows where AI handles the heavy lifting on spend analysis supplier evaluation demand forecasting and contract management so you can focus on strategy relationships and scale. We dont want a traditional procurement setup that we add AI to later. We want you to build the 2026 version from day one

Youll report to the Head of Operations and work closely with Engineering Operations and Finance.

What you will do

Architect an AI-native procurement function from zero. Design the procurement strategy select and implement tooling (ERP procurement platforms AI agents) and build processes where automation and intelligence are the default not the exception. You own the blueprint and that blueprint should scale to 10x volume without 10x headcount.

Build smart supplier intelligence. Go beyond spreadsheets: set up systems that use AI to continuously monitor supplier performance flag risks benchmark pricing and surface sourcing opportunities. Turn procurement data into a strategic asset.

Source and manage a complex multi-category supply base. Our BOM spans mechanical components (sheet metal plastics tubing) electronics (PCBs displays sensors) food-grade consumables (flavor cartridges CO2 filters) and packaging. Youll identify qualify and negotiate with suppliers across all of these.

Own supplier relationships and negotiations. From first contact to long-term partnership negotiate pricing payment terms MOQs lead times and quality agreements. Build a supplier base that can scale with us internationally as we expand across Europe and beyond.

Collaborate deeply with R&D and Engineering. Work with our VP of Engineering and product design team during new product introduction (NPI) to ensure components are sourceable cost-effective and available at scale. Youll have a seat at the table from the earliest design phase.

Drive cost optimization with data not gut feel. Use AI-powered spend analysis should-cost modeling and scenario planning to continuously improve landed cost all in lockstep with our Head of Quality & Compliance. Automate the routine so you can focus on the strategic.

Manage demand planning and inventory. Coordinate with Operations and our Supply Chain Coordinator to translate sales forecasts into purchase orders manage safety stock and prevent both stockouts and excess inventory leveraging predictive tools rather than manual planning.

About you

Must-haves

• 58 years of experience in procurement strategic sourcing or supply chain within a hardware manufacturing or consumer electronics environment.

• Proven track record of building or significantly scaling a procurement function youve set up processes tools and supplier networks where little existed before.

• AI-native mindset. You actively use AI tools (LLMs automation platforms AI-powered analytics) in your daily work and can see how to design procurement workflows around them. You dont wait for IT to build it you prototype and implement.

• Strong experience with BOM-driven procurement and working alongside R&D/engineering teams on component selection and design-for-manufacturability.

• Hands-on negotiation skills with a track record of delivering measurable cost savings while maintaining quality and supply continuity.

• Commercial sharpness: you understand total cost of ownership not just unit price including tooling logistics MOQs payment terms and quality risk.

• Experience managing suppliers of mechanical parts electronics and/or food-grade or regulated components.

• Analytical and structured thinker who can set up reporting track KPIs and use data to drive procurement decisions.

• Fluent in English; Dutch is a plus but not required.

Bonus points if you have

• Experience designing procurement workflows with AI agents RPA or intelligent automation e.g. automated PO generation AI-assisted contract review or predictive demand planning.

• Experience working with contract manufacturers (CM/EMS) in a model where design is in-house and assembly is outsourced.

• Familiarity with ERP/procurement systems (e.g. NetSuite SAP Business One Odoo) especially if youve been involved in selecting or implementing one.

• Background in Hardware-as-a-Service IoT or subscription hardware businesses where unit economics and COGS optimization are critical.

• Experience with customs import/export compliance and international logistics (we ship across Europe and are expanding further).

• Knowledge of sustainability and circular procurement reducing waste is in our DNA.

• Exposure to food-contact material regulations or certified supply chains.

Why join us

• Equity through our Aquablu for All plan: its not just about shares its about shared success.

• Purpose with Impact: shape how the world hydrates while wiping out single-use plastics.

• Build something from zero: this is a rare greenfield opportunity to architect an entire function your way with AI at the core.

• AI-native culture: youll join a team that ships with AI daily not a company still debating whether to adopt it.

• Scale-up pace means fresh challenges (and new skills) every quarter.

• Join an ambitious bold and fun crew thats always got your back.

• Company-sponsored gym membership keeps mind and body in sync.

• Pension plan with Zwitserleven (50/50 split) so you grow while your savings do too.

• What kind of vibe can you expect at our office Check out our very own Spotify playlist Akwablues