At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives in procurement and drive category excellence.
- Company: Join Santander, a tech-driven organisation focused on innovation and customer-centric transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, private medical insurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Global growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- 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 60000 - 100000 £ per year.
Country: United Kingdom
IT STARTS HERE
Santander (www.santander.com) 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)
- Bachelor’s degree (Preferred)
- CIPS (Preferred)
- English (Required)
- Commercial acumen (Required)
- Cost analysis (Required)
- Procurement systems (Preferred)
- 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. You can contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.
Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.
Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations in Milton Keynes employer: Banco Santander
At Santander, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and personal growth. Our collaborative work culture fosters a sense of belonging and encourages employees to challenge the status quo while driving meaningful change. With competitive benefits, including generous holiday allowances, private medical insurance, and global career opportunities, working in Milton Keynes, Bradford, or Glasgow as a Category & Sourcing Lead offers a unique chance to make a significant impact within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations in Milton Keynes
✨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 they align with your own. 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 make you the perfect fit for the Category & Sourcing Lead role. Keep it concise and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category & Sourcing Lead role. Highlight your experience in category management and procurement transformation, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven value in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on cost savings and supplier performance.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your professional experience, so don’t hesitate to share your passion for procurement and leadership.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us get to know you better.
How to prepare for a job interview at Banco Santander
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into category management principles and best practices. Be ready to discuss your experience in developing and executing category strategies, as this will show your understanding of the role and its importance in driving value.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving procurement transformation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and demonstrate how you’ve led teams to success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you’ve successfully managed relationships and driven stakeholder engagement, as this is crucial for the Category & Sourcing Lead position.
✨Bring Market Insights
Research current market trends and insights related to procurement and category management. Being able to discuss these during your interview will not only showcase your commercial acumen but also your proactive approach to staying informed in the field.
