Business Development Director | S4 | Edinburgh

Banco 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 is possible. Our mission is 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.

The Business Development Team is looking for a Business Development Director based in Edinburgh. This role reports to the Head of Business Development and works closely with the Regional Director, Corporate Client Relationship Teams, and Product Solution Teams to drive market origination activity. You will deliver a client‑centric approach offering relevant banking solutions for prospect clients at the point of origination, building and enhancing Santander’s market profile and presence within the Corporate Clients segment and collaborating with other relevant areas of SAN UK.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the Regional Director to lead New Business delivery in the Region.
• Collaborate with Relationship and Product Teams to drive market origination activity, ensuring deal conversion for new business opportunities.
• Originate international, high‑growth businesses, and support structured finance to originate M&A or Growth Capital deals.
• Build external relationships, differentiating Santander with prospects and Key Business Introducers (KBIs).
• Coordinate Corporate and Commercial Banking regional origination & market strategy, identifying trends and creating opportunities.
• Follow an IAM risk framework managing all types of risk.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills and abilities essential for success:

Professional Experience

• Experience and confidence in origination, including regular cold calling and targeting of leads. (Required)
• A proven track record of delivering results by winning new Corporate Clients into the Banking sector. (Required)
• A strong awareness of the local region and competitor activity in the marketplace. (Required)

Education

• Degree‑level education (or equivalent) in Business, Finance, Economics or Accounting. (Preferred)
• Relevant professional banking or finance qualification such as the Chartered Banker Diploma, ACIB, CFA or ACCA (or working towards). (Preferred)

Languages

• Fluent English (spoken and written). (Required)
• Additional European language skills (e.g., Spanish or Portuguese). (Preferred)

Hard Skills

• Strong commercial acumen, deep understanding of corporate banking products, markets and the wider economic environment. (Required)
• Digital proficiency, confident use of CRM and workflow tools such as Salesforce, nCino and Office 365. (Required)

Soft Skills

• Exceptional relationship management and communication skills to engage and influence clients, stakeholders and colleagues. (Required)
• Leadership and coaching ability that inspires and develops others. (Required)
• Resilient and optimistic mindset, adaptability and promotion of Santander values and behaviours. (Required)
• Ability to lead and support local relationship teams to maintain a strong origination pipeline. (Preferred)
• Highly developed interpersonal negotiation and networking skills. (Preferred)

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.

30 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after 5 years of 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, 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 shareplans. As a Santander UK employee you can request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, and 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 are 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). When applying please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location(s).

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK

Every individual must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander either by way of nationality, visa or work permit. If you require a working visa/permit this will not influence our decision on whether to progress your application. However, if you do not have a right to work or your application for a working visa/permit is unsuccessful, Santander will not proceed with your application and will withdraw any conditional offer previously made. We welcome applications on the understanding that should you be offered this role there may be no relocation package available. Santander will pay the employer mandatory government fees that are required to pay in connection with visa but may be liable for your own personal employee immigration and relocation costs.

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.