Product Development Manager

Job description

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.

About Aquablu

Aquablu is building a hydration platform to replace an industry centered on sugary drinks in plastic. The company is changing that from the workplace.

In 2025: #2 fastest growing tech company in the Netherlands (Deloitte Fast50). #30 fastest growing in Europe (Sifted250). Aquablu is an AI-native company — AI is how it builds, not an afterthought.

What you'll 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 — 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

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?

• 📈 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)