Technical Procurement Manager

🌊 Who we are?

At Aquablu we're 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, 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 Aquablu’s procurement function from the ground up and transform a fully outsourced process into a strategic, AI-driven in-house capability.

Aquablu designs and engineers its hardware in-house and works with external contract manufacturers for production. Procurement therefore sits at the center of the business, connecting R&D, operations, and suppliers to ensure components are sourceable, cost-effective, and scalable.

This role focuses on building processes, supplier networks, and AI-enabled systems that can support Aquablu’s rapid international growth.

You will report to the Head of Operations and work closely with Engineering, Operations, and Finance.

What you will do

• Build the procurement function — define strategy, processes, and tools (ERP, procurement platforms, AI automation) from the ground up.

• Develop and manage suppliers across mechanical components, electronics, consumables, and packaging.

• Lead negotiations and partnerships covering pricing, lead times, quality agreements, and long-term supplier relationships.

• Collaborate with R&D and Engineering to ensure components are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-efficient.

• Drive cost optimization through spend analysis, should-cost modeling, and data-driven sourcing decisions.

• Support demand planning and purchasing, translating forecasts into purchase orders while managing inventory risks.

🌟 About you

Must-haves

• 5–8 years experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain within hardware, manufacturing, or consumer electronics.

• Experience building or scaling procurement processes and supplier networks.

• AI-native mindset and comfort using AI tools or automation in daily work.

• Experience with BOM-driven procurement and working with engineering teams.

• Strong negotiation and commercial skills, with a focus on total cost of ownership.

• Experience sourcing mechanical parts, electronics, or regulated/food-grade components.

• Strong analytical mindset and experience tracking procurement KPIs.

• Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus).

Bonus points

• Experience with AI agents, RPA, or automation in procurement workflows.

• Experience working with contract manufacturers (CM/EMS).

• Familiarity with ERP or procurement systems (NetSuite, SAP Business One, Odoo).

• Experience with international logistics or import/export compliance.

• Knowledge of sustainable or circular procurement.

✨ 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.

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