Job Description

We believe in a sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable future for dairy farmers, achieved through the combination of robotics, engineering expertise, and knowledge of dairy farming.

This vision originated more than 75 years ago from the dream of two brothers in Maassluis. Since then, we have grown into an innovative market leader in automated systems for dairy farmers around the world. With 2,500 specialized professionals, we continuously work on new revolutions in agriculture.

We still operate from our Campus in Maassluis, the building with the highest attainable sustainability performance in the Netherlands, while maintaining a global presence. Our goal is to make dairy farming attractive for future generations as well.

The quality of our innovations starts with the quality of our suppliers. As a Supplier Quality Engineer, 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 our 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.

Qualifications

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.

Additional Information

Working at Lely means contributing to sustainable progress within one of the most innovative organizations in the Netherlands. You will play an important role in future-proofing the agricultural sector, and we 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.
• A gross monthly salary between €5,015 and €7,163, with clear growth opportunities beyond your starting salary.
• Extensive development opportunities: you are in charge of your own growth and can choose from a wide range of training programs through our Lely Academy, ranging from personal development to role-specific courses.
• Access to extensive sports facilities on our 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 our in-house barista using milk from our 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, at Lely we know how to celebrate achievements.
• We are also proud that our commitment and vision have been recognized with the Rotterdam Business Award 2025.

Recruitment Agencies, Consultancy Firms and Staffing Organizations

We appreciate your interest; however, we recruit all candidates directly. We understand that agencies may wish to introduce candidates for our vacancies and contribute to our ambitions, but our recruitment process is not structured in this way. Therefore, unsolicited candidate profiles submitted for vacancies at Lely will be treated as direct applications.