Manager, Supplier Quality

About Pendulum:

Pendulum® is leading a revolution that is occurring around the world to improve physical and mental health by first understanding, then restoring and enhancing the human microbiome. 

Studies have shown that our microbiome (the bacterial communities in and on our bodies) is linked to everything from metabolism and diabetes, to longevity, weight loss, healthy immune systems, cancer prevention, feelings of well-being, inflammatory bowel disease, and even healthy skin.  We have just scratched the surface on understanding the impact that our microbiome has on our lives. During early life we develop a diverse and balanced microbiome that plays a critical role in shaping our long-term health.  Over our lives, a combination of diet, lifestyle, antibiotics, and aging can decrease the effectiveness of our microbiome.

Pendulum recognized the enormous impact they could have on people’s lives if they were able to address the imbalances in the microbiome. To accomplish this, Pendulum created proprietary probiotic pipelines and a  unique discovery platform to identify key, novel bacterial strains and the prebiotics that feed them. The company has also built and developed the world’s first manufacturing technology to produce bacteria in an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment at scale.

The medical probiotics that Pendulum has formulated have transformed the consumer probiotics market into a new category of therapeutic offerings that deliver the power and efficacy of a pharmaceutical with the safety and accessibility of a natural probiotic. Due to Pendulum’s explosive revenue and customer growth over the last two years, the company  earned a spot on Forbes Magazine’s exclusive “The Next Billion Dollar Startups” list.

If you’re interested in improving the lives of people globally and you love working in a cross-functional, collaborative, inspiring environment, please continue reading.

Position Summary:

The Manager, Supplier Quality is a key leadership role within Pendulum's Quality department, responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive supplier and contract manufacturing (CMO) quality management program. This role will lead a team of Supplier Quality Specialists, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality products that meet Pendulum's stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. The Manager will drive proactive risk management strategies, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply base, fostering strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.

• Risk Management & Performance
• Develop and implement proactive risk management strategies to identify and mitigate potential supplier-related risks.  
• Oversee supplier performance monitoring, analyzing trends, and identifying areas for improvement.  
• Lead the development and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to address systemic supplier quality issues.  

• Supplier and CMO Qualification & Management
• Oversee the supplier qualification process, ensuring compliance with Pendulum's quality standards and regulatory requirements.  
• Perform site audits and visits to monitor manufacturing and supplier partners for adherence to food safety and quality systems standards.
• Manage projects that support the commercialization concerning assessment of potential contract manufacturer and supplier capabilities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, conducting regular business reviews and fostering collaborative partnerships.  
• Negotiate and manage quality agreements with suppliers, ensuring clear expectations and performance standards.  

• Continuous Improvement
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the supplier quality management system, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.  
• Implement industry best practices and innovative approaches to optimize supplier quality processes and tools.  
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies related to supplier quality management.  

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication
• Collaborate effectively with CMOs, suppliers and cross-functional teams, including Procurement, Manufacturing, R&D, and Quality Assurance, to ensure alignment on supplier quality requirements.  
• Communicate supplier quality performance to senior management and stakeholders, providing regular updates and reports.  
• Represent Pendulum in interactions with regulatory agencies and external partners on supplier quality matters.

• Minimum 5  years relevant experience in a dietary supplement, pharmaceutical or food manufacturing environment within supplier / CMO quality (Dietary Supplement experience is a plus)
• In depth knowledge of FSMA, GFSI schemes, NSF, 21 CFR 111 and 21 CFR 117. Strong understanding of Quality Management System and regulatory compliance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (chemistry, microbiology, food science, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or related discipline) from an accredited college/university
• PCQI certification
• Quality Auditor certification (CQA is a plus)
• Strong business acumen, leadership and interpersonal skills. Ability to partner and collaborate within and across departments to achieve quality requirements and ensure compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Technical writing skills
• Strong computer skills in business technology platforms
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Detailed, analytical and critical thinker with a “can do” attitude
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently
• ~30% travel

•  $120,000 - $140,000
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Commuter Benefits
• Life & STD Insurance
• Company match on 401 (k)
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Equity