Product Development Manager

We're building the world's 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. We're changing that, from the workplace.

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

We’re 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. You’ll 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 — you're not just managing engineers, you're accountable for what they ship.

• 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

• 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 — you’ve 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

• 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

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 we’re building

26 paid vacation days

Pension Plan by Zwitserleven

Quarterly team events at our HQ in Amsterdam (Houthavens)

Unlimited Aquablu (of course)

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