Technical Procurement Manager

In this role as Technical Procurement Manager, you will build Aquablu’s procurement function from scratch—designing an AI-driven, scalable operation that transforms a fully outsourced process into a strategic in-house capability powering Aquablu’s next phase of growth.

🌊 Who we are?

At Aquablu we're disrupting the marketplace with a revolutionary (flavored) water system. Since launching our flagship system Aquablu REFILL in 2023, we've grown 300%+ year-over-year, expanded to 16 countries, and were named the Fastest Growing Tech Company in Health & Wellness in the Netherlands.

We're 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

We're 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 Aquablu's next phase of growth.

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: you'll 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 isn't about slotting into an existing system. There is no system yet. You'll 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 don't want a traditional procurement setup that we "add AI to" later. We want you to build the 2026 version from day one.

You'll 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. You'll 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. You'll 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

• 5–8 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 — you've 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 don't 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 you've 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: it's not just about shares, it's 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: you'll 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 that's 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.