Category Manager

Job Title: Category Manager - Direct Procurement

Location: Portugal based

Work Model: Full-time & Remote

About Us

MOZAYDO was built by people who believe work should feel human - even when powered by technology.

We’re a remote-first company that connects talent, technology, and purpose to help companies grow sustainably.

We also believe recruitment should be more than matching keywords to job descriptions. It's about understanding people, recognising potential, and creating the right conditions for long-term success. Here, ownership matters more than control, and progress matters more than perfection.

People powered, tech enabled.

About the Role

We're looking for someone who can bring their expertise, ambition, and unique perspective to one of the project teams we support.

At MOZAYDO, we believe great careers are built where talent, purpose, and opportunity meet. While we're currently hiring for a specific project environment, our focus goes beyond matching skills to requirements. We want to understand where you can create the most impact and continue growing.

We’re looking for a senior Category Manager to support an international project in the aerospace and space sector. You will define, develop, and execute procurement strategies for a portfolio of space-related commodities, which may include raw and production materials, electrical and electronic components, or mechanical parts.

Working closely with Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Quality teams, you will drive supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, compliance, and risk management, contributing to programme success and long-term business competitiveness.

Responsibilities

- Develop and implement category strategies aligned with business needs, programme requirements, and global procurement guidelines.

- Conduct market analysis, technology scouting, and supplier landscape assessments to identify opportunities, trends, and risks.

- Define multi-year category roadmaps covering cost reduction, supplier consolidation, dual sourcing, and innovation.

- Identify, evaluate, select, and manage strategic suppliers, monitoring quality, delivery, cost, and compliance.

- Lead supplier negotiations and contracting activities, including long-term agreements.

- Drive supplier development, performance reviews, risk mitigation, and recovery plans when escalations arise.

- Ensure the timely availability of critical parts and systems and deliver procurement inputs across proposal, development, and production phases.

- Partner with Engineering on design-to-cost and make-or-buy decisions, and with Finance on budget impacts, savings, and procurement KPIs.

- Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and Export Control teams to meet applicable regulatory and security requirements.

- Guide Commodity Specialists, harmonise procurement processes and tools, and represent the category in governance boards and senior leadership discussions.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.

- Between 5 and 8 years of procurement experience, with a background ideally in aerospace, defence, or high-tech industries.

- Strong expertise in direct procurement, supplier management, negotiation, and contract management.

- Proven ability to develop category strategies and execute complex procurement activities.

- Experience managing supplier relationships, performance, and procurement risks.

- Knowledge of export control regulations and associated compliance requirements.

- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and cultures.

- Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

- Fluent English and Portuguese.

Nice to have:

- Familiarity with space systems, components, and industrial supply chains.

- Experience in long-cycle procurement involving propulsion, electronics, optics, composites, or comparable high-tech commodities.

- Experience in global sourcing and supplier development.

- Previous leadership of small or virtual teams.

- Additional language skills.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to help both sides make an informed decision and ensure the best possible match between your experience, aspirations, and the project environment. Please note that the process may vary depending on the complexity and specific requirements of each opportunity.

1. Initial Conversation with Us: a first discussion focused on understanding your background, strengths, motivations, and the type of environment where you can thrive and create the greatest impact.

2. Project Team Qualification: a conversation with the project team to explore the role, responsibilities, expectations, and mutual alignment.

3. Role-Specific Evaluation (when applicable): depending on the position, this stage may include technical assessments, practical exercises, certification validation, personality assessments, security clearance requirements, or other evaluation methods relevant to the role.

4. Final Alignment Meeting: a final conversation to ensure expectations are aligned on both sides and that, if we move forward together, we start with clarity, confidence, and shared objectives.