At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in procurement and drive supplier performance.
- Company: Join Santander, a tech-driven organisation focused on innovation and customer-centric transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for global growth and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and leading teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 77600 - 100000 £ per year.
Locations: Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Bradford
Time type: Full-time
Posted on: Today
Job requisition id: Req Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations
Country: United Kingdom
IT STARTS HERE
Santander is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.
This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference. Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.
CFO (Cost & Procurement) - Santander UK is increasingly reliant on the third parties which underpin our operations. The Cost & Procurement team are undertaking a multi-year transformation focused on creating a platform to drive significant incremental value through the creation of an operating model with the capability to maximise the potential of this supplier ecosystem via connection & delivery of the right external expertise to meet the future demands of Santander and in turn, to drive best value whilst complying with regulation and Santander risk appetite.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
CFO is looking for a Category & Sourcing Lead based out of Milton Keynes, Bradford or Glasgow. As Category & Sourcing Lead, you will support the Head of Category & Sourcing and the broader Procurement transformation through category excellence. You’ll drive the development and execution of strategic initiatives, translating procurement strategy into market-leading outcomes that deliver value beyond cost savings.
You will lead a procurement team that supports Santander UK and associated group entities, acting as a trusted advisor and enabling the business to achieve its cost-to-income targets while enhancing supplier performance and stakeholder outcomes.
To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:
- Leading the development and executive approval of category strategies
- Bringing market insight and commercial expertise
- Providing benchmarking and insights
- Driving stakeholder engagement
- Leading a high-performing team
- Acting as a subject matter expert
- Ensuring supplier performance
- Promoting procurement systems
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
Professional Experience
- Proven track record in category management (Required)
- Experience managing complex contracts (Required)
- Experience leading teams (Required)
- Procurement transformation experience (Preferred)
Education
- Bachelor’s degree (Preferred)
- CIPS (Preferred)
Languages
- English (Required)
Hard Skills
- Commercial acumen (Required)
- Cost analysis (Required)
- Procurement systems (Preferred)
Soft Skills
- Stakeholder management
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT
At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return. Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.
Salary Range: £77,600.00 - £100,000.00 per annum (depending on experience)
This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.
30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5 years service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.
£6,000 car allowance per year.
Company funded individual private medical insurance.
Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans.
As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services.
Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.
LOCAL COMPLIANCE
At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone — regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates. We want our people to thrive — at work and at home — while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.
Right to work in the UK
All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it’s a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we’re available through email.
Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations employer: Banco Santander SA
Santander is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With competitive rewards, extensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for global career advancement, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment. Located in vibrant cities like Milton Keynes, Bradford, and Glasgow, Santander provides a unique opportunity to thrive both personally and professionally in a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Category & Sourcing Lead. Tailor your responses to highlight your commercial acumen and leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Santander.
We think you need these skills to ace Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category & Sourcing Lead role. Highlight your experience in category management and procurement transformation, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our mission at Santander. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your leadership experience.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While hard skills are important, we also value soft skills like stakeholder management and problem-solving. Make sure to weave these into your application, providing examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed complex contracts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Banco Santander SA
✨Know Your Category Management Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your category management knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading category strategies and how you've driven value beyond just cost savings. This will show that you understand the core of what the role entails.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since stakeholder management is key for this position, think of specific examples where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders. Prepare to explain how you’ve built relationships and influenced decisions in your past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As a potential leader, it’s important to convey your leadership style. Think about how you motivate teams and drive performance. Be ready to share stories that highlight your ability to lead high-performing teams and manage complex contracts.
✨Bring Market Insights to the Table
Research current trends in procurement and be ready to discuss how these insights can benefit Santander. Showing that you’re proactive about market knowledge will demonstrate your commercial acumen and readiness to contribute from day one.
