Supplier Quality Engineer

As a Supplier Quality Engineer at Lely, you will help build an international supplier network that is ready for the next generation of agricultural technology. You will work at the intersection of Quality, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations, directly influencing the reliability, scalability, and quality of products.

Imagine a new product ready for launch. While multiple teams are working on the introduction, you ensure that suppliers have stable processes, understand the required quality standards, and are prepared to deliver at a high level. You combine analytical insight with strong collaboration skills and help both suppliers and internal teams continuously improve.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and improve supplier quality performance and translate quality data into concrete improvement actions.
• Guide suppliers through APQP and PPAP processes and assess their readiness for new products and engineering changes.
• Conduct supplier audits, evaluate quality systems, and support suppliers in strengthening process control.
• Analyze non-conformities, lead 8D problem-solving processes, and perform root cause analyses to implement sustainable solutions.
• Represent Supplier Quality within multidisciplinary NPI (New Product Introduction) projects and ensure a smooth introduction of new products.
• Advise stakeholders within Procurement, Product Development, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Warranty on quality risks and improvement opportunities.

What Makes This Role Unique?

In this role, you are not only responsible for safeguarding supplier quality. You will actively contribute to the further development of Supplier Quality within Lely. You will have the opportunity to professionalize standards, strengthen preventive quality methodologies, and prepare an international supplier network for tomorrow’s innovations.

This means you will make a visible impact on:

• The quality of new innovations.
• Supplier development and performance.
• The continued professionalization of Supplier Quality.
• The implementation of preventive quality methodologies.
• A future-proof and reliable supply chain.

What is your experience?

You are energized by improving processes, strengthening collaboration, and achieving sustainable quality improvements. You know how to guide people through change and can easily switch between operational details and strategic challenges.

In addition, you bring:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Quality Management, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Quality.
• Experience with supplier audits, quality improvement initiatives, and stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of quality methodologies such as APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D, Root Cause Analysis, and VDA 6.3.
• Experience conducting VDA 6.3 audits and assessing supplier processes.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into improvements.
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers across Europe and occasionally beyond.

To be considered for this position, you must be based in the Netherlands.

What you can expect from us

You will play an important role in future-proofing the agricultural sector, and Lely will provide you with the freedom, resources, and support to do so.

• An international working environment with plenty of room for initiative and entrepreneurship.
• Excellent employment conditions, including up to 8 weeks of vacation per year and a strong pension plan.
• Extensive development opportunities: you are in charge of your own growth and can choose from a wide range of training programs through the Lely Academy, ranging from personal development to role-specific courses.
• Access to extensive sports facilities on the modern Lely Campus, including an indoor gym, outdoor padel courts, basketball and volleyball courts, table tennis tables, and table football. You can also participate in Hyrox training sessions, opt for personal training, or challenge colleagues during an active break.
• Enjoy fresh coffee and tea prepared by the in-house barista using milk from the company’s own farm, as well as a healthy and affordable company restaurant.
• A free shuttle bus takes you to and from the metro station in Maassluis, ensuring your workday starts and ends smoothly.
• Success deserves to be celebrated. From work anniversaries to holiday parties, Lely celebrates achievements.

About Lely

Lely is an innovative market leader in automated systems for dairy farmers around the world, with specialized professionals continuously working on new revolutions in agriculture.

Operating from the Campus in Maassluis while maintaining a global presence, Lely aims to make dairy farming attractive for future generations as well.