Strategic Category Manager - Aerospace, Lisbon

Claranet limited; Lisboa; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Make ModernHappen seeks a Category Manager to join our TalentTeam client. You will lead procurement strategy for assigned categories, conduct market analysis, define long-term roadmaps, and manage strategic suppliers to deliver cost, quality, and delivery improvements.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Programme Management, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Compliance, influence design-to-cost decisions, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide Commodity Specialists while driving continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business or related field.
• 5-8+ years of procurement experience, ideally within aerospace, defence or high-tech industries.
• Strong knowledge of direct procurement, supplier management and strategic sourcing processes.
• Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management and relationship management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop category strategies and execute complex procurement activities.
• Experience managing supplier performance, risk and compliance.
• Knowledge of Export Control regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the procurement strategy for assigned categories in alignment with business objectives, programme requirements and global procurement guidelines.
• Conduct market analysis, supplier mapping and technology scouting to identify opportunities, risks and industry trends.
• Define and implement long-term category roadmaps, including cost reduction initiatives, supplier consolidation and dual-sourcing strategies.
• Select, negotiate with and manage strategic suppliers, ensuring performance across cost, quality, delivery and compliance metrics.
• Lead supplier evaluations, contract negotiations and long-term agreement management.
• Drive supplier development initiatives, risk mitigation plans and recovery actions when required.
• Support space programmes by ensuring the timely availability of critical materials, components and systems.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Programme Management, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Compliance teams.
• Influence design-to-cost and make-or-buy decisions to optimise value and competitiveness.
• Ensure procurement deliverables, including cost, planning, risk management and documentation, are achieved throughout programme lifecycles.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including Export Control frameworks.
• Provide guidance to Commodity Specialists and contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools and best practices.
• Represent the category within governance forums and in interactions with senior leadership.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Negotiation abilities

Supplier management

Analytical

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business

Job description

Make ModernHappen seeks a Category Manager to join our TalentTeam client. You will lead procurement strategy for assigned categories, conduct market analysis, define long-term roadmaps, and manage strategic suppliers to deliver cost, quality, and delivery improvements.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Programme Management, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Compliance, influence design-to-cost decisions, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide Commodity Specialists while driving continuous