Relationship Director | S3 | Commercial Clients| Oxford

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.

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.

Commercial Clients is a highly engaged and energetic team providing relationship management to a portfolio of Santander Commercial Banking clients. Alongside delivering outstanding support to existing clients, the team is focused on winning high-quality new business (turnover up to £25m) and developing these relationships into the Corporate Clients of the future.

The team has a strong track record of delivering a balanced scorecard, excelling across client satisfaction, high-value new-to-bank switchers, lending, deposits and international growth. We pride ourselves on the quality of service we provide, not only retaining clients but growing with them and turning them into advocates who introduce new business from across their networks.

Supporting fast-growing businesses across a broad range of sectors, Commercial Clients is an ambitious, high-performing team with a strong drive to exceed the Bank’s expectations. The team is recognised as a springboard for talented, driven individuals looking to accelerate their careers.

Commercial Banking is looking for a Relationship Director based out of Oxford. We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Deepen customer relationships to position CCB as the SME bank of choice
• Deliver a clear growth strategy, including relationships with clients, prospects and KBIs
• Meet or exceed agreed commercial targets, OKRs, KPIs and NPS measures
• Act as a senior ambassador for Santander, building strong local networks and partnerships, including universities
• Build client insight and advocacy across your portfolio, driving sustainable portfolio growth, primacy and loyalty (broadly those with turnover up to £25m)
• Deliver a market-leading client experience aligned to the “Digital Bank with a Human Touch” ambition
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of CCB products and services, promoting digital and multi-channel solutions
• Coach and develop Relationship Managers, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture
• Embed a strong risk culture, with conduct and stewardship aligned to CCB policies and guidelines
• Actively contribute to performance reviews, development discussions and PEP updates
• Living “The Santander Way” through the TEAMS behaviours: Think Customer, Embrace Change, Act Now, Move Together, Speak Now.

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role:

• Experience of financial analysis and writing credit applications
• Financial crime risk management skills
• Proven record of providing high quality client experience
• Proven experience of working with Commercial businesses
• Proven knowledge of wider banking risks and mitigations
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, analytical, and report-writing skills
• Experience of developing and driving a business development plan, to deliver growth, through existing client network and intermediaries

Soft Skills Required:

• Relationship building
• Analytical thinking
• Communication and influencing
• Problem solving under pressure
• Adaptability in dynamic markets

Education (Preferred): Educated to Degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent experience in a similar role within financial services.

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.

• 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.

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. To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles).

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.