Founding Product Manager | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Arbeitnow
• Location: Berlin
• Job Type: Full-Time

Job Description

A newly funded cybersecurity startup in Berlin is looking for a Founding Product Manager to join as a founding team member and help design the core security, identity, and enforcement foundations of a next-generation AI-powered security risk management platform.

We are an early-stage startup founded by experienced cybersecurity leaders with backgrounds in Israeli Intelligence units. We are looking for a hands-on Founding Product Manager for a hybrid role based in central of Berlin. If you are passionate about cybersecurity and AI tech, thrive in fast-paced startup environments, and enjoy building complex platforms from the ground up, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

We’re building a next-generation cyber risk platform that helps enterprises understand, measure, and reduce identity risk at scale. Our goal is to turn complex identity and security data into clear, actionable risk insights that CISOs and CTOs can trust. You will work from scratch on core platform components from day one, shaping how modern enterprises manage and reason about risk using cloud-native systems and AI-driven analysis and automated enforcement through AI Agents.

Tasks

• Define and build product for new cyber security product from scratch
• Design end-to-end user journeys across the entire platform, from onboarding to daily usage and advanced workflows
• Define platform information architecture, navigation, and core UX principles
• Own wireframes, user flows, and interaction logic (from low-fidelity to production-ready concepts)
• Prepare tickets and own backlog
• Translate user needs, risk scenarios, and business goals into intuitive UI/UX decisions
• Contribute the product vision and translate it into a clear, actionable roadmap
• Ensure complex security and risk concepts are expressed in simple, usable interfaces
• Drive product discovery, validation, and prioritization from day zero
• Work closely with engineering, security, and data teams to ship the right product fast
• Define MVP scope, iterate based on real customer feedback, and avoid over-engineering
• Balance security, usability, and scalability in a complex cyber risk platform
• Represent the product internally and externally with customers, partners, and investors
• Build whole platform from scratch

Requirements

• 10+ years of hands-on experience designing complex B2B SaaS web platforms for technical products
• Proven ability to scatch end-to-end user journeys using Figma (flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes)
• Strong experience with design systems and component-based UX (Figma libraries, tokens, variants)
• Ability to write clear PRDs, user stories, and acceptance criteria in Notion, Confluence, or similar
• Experience working closely with engineering teams using Jira, Linear, or GitHub Projects
• Solid understanding of REST APIs of SaaS integrations and backend-driven UIs (can read OpenAPI / Swagger specs)
• Experience defining data-heavy dashboards (tables, filters, charts, drill-downs)
• Strong grasp of UX for complex domains (security, risk, finance, compliance, or enterprise admin tools)
• Familiarity with event tracking and product analytics
• Experience in using TOP product AI tools
• Ability to run user interviews and usability testing and translate findings into product decisions
• Strong understanding Ability to build things from scratch at early stage startup
• High ownership mentality, startup mindset, and ability to move quickly.
• Experience in startup or scale-up environments
• Low ego, high commitment, and a true tech startup mentality.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent English communication skills

Nice-to-have requirements:

• Experience with cybersecurity, IAM, GRC, or risk management platforms
• Understanding of RBAC / ABAC, permissions modeling, and role-based UX
• Experience working with AI-powered features (recommendations, scoring, summaries, user flow generators)
• Familiarity with data visualization libraries
• Exposure to frontend frameworks such as React, Next.js, or Vue (no coding required)
• Experience collaborating with teams using Go, Java, or Python backends
• Understanding of enterprise buying personas (CISO, CTO, Security, Risk teams)
• Experience designing multi-tenant SaaS platforms
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks (NIS2, DORA, ISO 27001, SOC 2)
• Experience in security or risk management products
• Experience designing permission models, identity graphs, or access control frameworks.
• Exposure to graph-based modeling (identity graph, access graph, risk graph)
• Familiarity with AI agents implementations
• Previous experience in cybersecurity, identity startups.
• You are a fan of rock or metal music.
• Excellent German communication skills

Benefits

Founding Team Member Equity — ESOPs in a cybersecurity company

• Competitive Compensation — salary aligned with market, flexible early-stage arrangements possible
• Founding Team Member Status — shape the company from day one and own critical product decisions
• Fresh Funding Secured — immediate runway to build, hire, and execute fast
• Security Contribution — contribute to security product across identity, AI agents, and enforcement
• High Autonomy — freedom to design and build without corporate overhead
• Work with a Technical CEO and CPTO — fast iteration, strong alignment, clear direction
• Cutting-Edge Domain — identity security, SaaS-to-SaaS access, AI agent governance
• Massive Learning Curve — quickly gain depth in cybersecurity, identity, and AI systems
• Fast Career Path — opportunity evolve into leadership as we scale the product team
• Berlin Location — top-tier tech environment with strong cybersecurity and AI ecosystems
• Direct Impact — your product vision become the foundation of the entire platform
• Best Equipment and Tools - High quality equipment and modern tools to help you do your best work from day one
• Team Offsites - Regular team offsites designed to build strong connections, alignment, and shared momentum

Find more English Speaking Jobs in Germany on Arbeitnow

Expert Career Tips for Founding Product Manager Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Founding Product Manager, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Founding Product Manager requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Berlin and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Berlin, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

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