Application Guide

How to Apply for Technical Product Manager

at Bigbelly

🏢 About Bigbelly

Bigbelly is a cleantech leader transforming public space waste management with smart, solar-powered waste and recycling systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%. Their IoT-enabled stations and cloud-based platform provide real-time data to optimize collection routes, making cities cleaner and more efficient.

About This Role

As a Technical Product Manager, you will own the end-to-end product lifecycle for Bigbelly's smart waste hardware and software ecosystem, from defining strategy to managing backlog and cross-functional execution. Your work will directly impact municipal sustainability goals and operational efficiency for cities worldwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a standup with engineering to discuss firmware updates for a new sensor, followed by a backlog grooming session to prioritize features based on customer feedback from city pilots. Afternoon could involve a cross-functional meeting with sales and marketing to align on launch timing for a new compactor model, and end with reviewing dashboards of field performance data to identify areas for improvement.

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🎯 Who Bigbelly Is Looking For

  • A product manager with 5+ years of experience in physical products, ideally in IoT, hardware, or smart city solutions.
  • Holds a Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering, enabling deep technical conversations with engineering teams.
  • Has hands-on experience managing hardware product lifecycles from concept through production and end-of-life, including firmware and cloud integration.
  • Demonstrates strong data-driven decision-making skills, using KPIs and user data to prioritize features and iterate on product functionality.

📝 Tips for Applying to Bigbelly

1

Highlight specific experience with IoT-connected hardware products, especially any work with sensors, firmware, or cloud platforms like AWS IoT.

2

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Reduced collection costs by 30% through route optimization features' or 'Managed a product line generating $5M in revenue.'

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize cross-functional collaboration with engineering, design, and sales teams—especially in a hardware-software context.

4

Mention any familiarity with waste management, smart cities, or sustainability sectors to show domain interest.

5

Include a brief portfolio or case study of a physical product you managed, detailing challenges like supply chain, production scaling, or field testing.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Passion for sustainability and reducing environmental impact through technology.', 'Proven track record in managing complex hardware-software systems from concept to launch.', 'Ability to translate technical requirements into business value for municipalities and commercial clients.', 'Experience with data-driven product iteration and KPI monitoring for physical products.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Bigbelly's current product lines (e.g., Bigbelly Solar Compactor, Cloud, CleanCubes) and their key features.
  • → Understand how municipalities use Bigbelly's data to optimize waste collection and reduce emissions.
  • → Review recent news or case studies about Bigbelly deployments (e.g., in New York, Boston, or other smart city initiatives).
  • → Familiarize yourself with competitors like Ecube Labs, Bin-e, or SmartBin and how Bigbelly differentiates.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach prioritizing features for a smart waste bin with limited hardware resources (e.g., battery life, sensor accuracy)?
2 Describe a time you managed a product through a major hardware revision or end-of-life transition.
3 How do you balance the needs of different stakeholders (engineering, sales, customers) when defining the product roadmap?
4 Explain how you would use data from IoT sensors to improve product functionality and customer ROI.
5 What experience do you have with regulatory or environmental standards for outdoor electronic equipment?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on software product management experience without addressing hardware lifecycle challenges like manufacturing, supply chain, or field testing.
  • Ignoring the sustainability angle—Bigbelly's mission is core; not emphasizing it can seem like a lack of fit.
  • Submitting a generic resume without tailoring to IoT, smart city, or physical product experience.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Bigbelly!

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