Head of Product & Innovation

YotSystem; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech company focused on innovation is seeking a Head of Product & Innovation to co-develop the product vision, oversee software and hardware development, and establish an AI Lab. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in product management and possesses strong expertise in React. The role offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and potential equity participation after 12 months.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Potential equity participation after 12 months

Qualifications

• 7+ years in product management, software engineering, or technology leadership.
• Proven track record of Web & Mobile Development with expertise in React.
• Experience in hardware-software product launches (IoT, wearables, connected devices).
• Familiarity with fast-scaling environments (start-ups / scale-ups).

Responsibilities

• Co-create and refine the product vision and roadmap with the CEO.
• Act as the main interface with the external development team.
• Lead the product design process from wireframing to final UX/UI validation.
• Establish and manage an AI Lab for maritime applications.
• Supervise prototyping and testing of connected devices.

Skills

React

Web & Mobile Development

AI/ML applications

Figma

Cloud SaaS architecture

Quality assurance

Tools

Prototyping tools

IoT ecosystems

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Head of Product & Innovation who will co-develop our product vision with the CEO, oversee both software and hardware development, establish our AI Lab for maritime applications, and ensure best-in-class quality control across all releases. This role is central to our growth, with a clear path to becoming Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Key Responsibilities

• Product Vision & Strategy – Co-create and continuously refine the product vision and roadmap with the CEO. Translate business objectives into detailed product specifications, user stories, and priorities. Define and manage the product lifecycle, ensuring alignment with company strategy. Actively contribute to the design of mockups, wireframes, and prototypes, ensuring that the strategic vision is translated into tangible product experiences from the earliest stages.
• Product Development & Delivery – Act as the main interface with external development team to ensure efficient execution. Supervise and coordinate the UI / UX design team, ensuring alignment between design and technical implementation. Monitor and validate quality control across all software and hardware deliverables. Ensure best practices in Web & Mobile Development, with hands-on expertise in React and modern frameworks. Guarantee seamless front-end / back-end integration and third-party API connectivity. Deliver releases on time, with optimal performance and user experience.
• Design & Wireframing – Lead the product design process, from wireframing to final UX / UI validation. Absolute mastery of tools such as Figma, Miro, and other prototyping environments. Ensure consistency between design vision and technical implementation.
• AI Lab & Innovation Leadership – Establish and manage an AI Lab dedicated to maritime applications. Scout and integrate cutting-edge AI and machine learning solutions into the YOTSYSTEM ecosystem. Build partnerships with universities, labs and startups to keep YOTSYSTEM at the innovation frontier.
• Hardware Development – Supervise prototyping, testing, and scaling of connected devices. Ensure robust software-hardware integration. Oversee vendor relations, prototyping cycles, and industrialization roadmap.
• Leadership & Collaboration – Build and lead a world-class product and innovation team. Promote agile methodologies and a strong culture of excellence and innovation.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience – 7+ years in product management, software engineering, or technology leadership. Proven track record of Web & Mobile Development, with strong expertise in React and modern frameworks. Hands-on experience in hardware-software product launches (IoT, wearables, or connected devices). Previous exposure to fast-scaling environments (start-ups / scale-ups).

Technical Skills – Absolute mastery of React for web and mobile environments. Strong knowledge of cloud SaaS architecture and APIs. Expertise in Figma and advanced prototyping tools. Familiarity with hardware prototyping and IoT ecosystems. Solid understanding of AI / ML applications and their integration in SaaS products. Advanced skills in quality assurance and performance testing.

Soft Skills – Entrepreneurial and agile mindset, thriving in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication skills; able to bridge business and tech seamlessly. Proactive, solution-driven, and always one step ahead. Fluent in French and English (both written and spoken).

Location & Compensation

Location: Based in Abu Dhabi HQ. Frequent travels to Europe and Asia.

Compensation: Competitive salary aligned with UAE top-tier market. Performance-based bonus tied to product milestones. Potential equity participation after 12+ months, with a structured path to evolve into CTO.