Product Development Manager

Who are we

Were building the worlds largest hydration platform to replace a $1.5 trillion industry controlled by Coca-Cola and Pepsi companies selling sugar water in plastic. Their model is stuck in the past. Were changing that from the workplace.

In 2025: #2 fastest growing tech company in the Netherlands (Deloitte Fast50). #30 fastest growing in Europe (Sifted250). Were an AI-native company AI is how we build not an afterthought.

About the role

Were looking for a Product Development Manager to own the execution of the full development of our hardware products from concept through engineering industrialization and production. Youll lead the engineering teams that build our hardware: connected water dispensers touchscreen interfaces IoT systems and next-generation devices.

You report to the Head of Physical Product and work within a product-led structure. The best version of this role is someone who sees that as an advantage engineering credibility earned through great execution not org chart position. You work closely with Product Management Project Management Operations and Supply Chain. This is a hands-on technical leadership role youre not just managing engineers youre accountable for what they ship.

What youll own

• Lead the three engineering pillars: Hardware Engineering Embedded Software Engineering and Process Development & Industrialization

• Own the technical execution of the product roadmap translate product requirements into engineered manufactured products

• Drive design-for-manufacturing decisions: material selection tolerances cost targets production scalability

• Manage the full NPI process from prototype to production release

• Build and develop a high-performing engineering team hire coach set standards

• Bridge product management and engineering translate what and why into how and when

• Manage external engineering partners contract manufacturers and technical vendors

• Establish and improve engineering processes: ways of working design reviews testing protocols documentation

About you

• 8-10 years of overall experience in roles related to product development or engineering

• 5 years in leadership positions ideally in connected hardware / IoT

• Track record of taking embedded hardware products from concept through to mass production

• Deep understanding of hardware engineering embedded systems and industrialization processes

• Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams (mechanical electrical embedded software)

• Fluent in DFM DFA and NPI processes youve worked with contract manufacturers and know what it takes to scale

• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving scale-up environment where priorities shift and speed matters

• Strong communicator who can translate complex technical trade-offs for non-technical stakeholders

• Based in the Netherlands or willing to relocate this role requires regular on-site presence

Bonus Points:

• Experience in water treatment beverage dispensing or food-safe appliance design

• Background in connected consumer hardware (touchscreens NFC telemetry)

• Worked in a company that bridged B2B hardware with consumer-facing experiences

• Familiarity with CE/UL certification processes

Why Aquablu

A benchmarked salary in line with your level of experience

Travel compensation >10km

Equity through our Aquablu for All plan because everyone shares in what were building

26 paid vacation days

Pension Plan by Zwitserleven

Quarterly team events at our HQ in Amsterdam (Houthavens)

Unlimited Aquablu (of course)

Curious about our story & culture Check our documentaries on Youtube!