At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier management and sourcing strategies to drive business success.
- Company: Join Santander, a global leader in financial services with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing support, flexible healthcare, and global career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 80250 £ per year.
As Category & Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for leading supplier management, category management and sourcing activity aligned to a specific spend area. You will support Santander UK and associated group entities in achieving cost‑to‑income targets by acting as a trusted advisor and enabling optimal commercial outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Building multi-year sourcing and category strategies using market data and industry trends
- Leading and executing complex and strategic sourcing activity
- Driving cost and business benefits aligned to Procurement and business targets
- Translating business strategy into actionable sourcing and category plans
- Identifying value through contract lifecycle management
- Supporting stakeholder engagement across the organisation
- Ensuring supplier performance meets expectations in quality, compliance and cost
- Contributing to financial planning, forecasting and budget management
Requirements
- Proven track record in category management within a global procurement organisation (Required)
- Experience managing complex contracts and sourcing activity (Required)
- Experience contributing to financial planning and budget management (Required)
- Experience within financial services or regulated environments (Preferred)
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Procurement or related discipline (Preferred)
- Professional procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS) (Preferred)
- English language proficiency (Required)
Hard Skills
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills (Required)
- Cost analysis and financial insight capability (Required)
Soft Skills
- Stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Problem‑solving and analytical thinking
Salary Range: £53,500.00 – £80,250.00 per annum (depending on experience). Annual salary is based on a standard 35‑hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.
Benefits
- Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
- Wellbeing support across physical, mental, social and financial pillars, including apps, gym access, online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
- Enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support for all life stages.
- Volunteer opportunities to give back to communities.
- Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore possibilities across our international network.
LOCAL COMPLIANCE: Santander is 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 is accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates. 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).
Category & Sourcing Manager | S3 | CFO | Multiple Locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes employer: Santander Bank
Santander UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a competitive rewards package that reflects your contributions. With a strong focus on inclusivity and a supportive work culture, you will have access to global opportunities for career advancement while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to achieving optimal commercial outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Sourcing Manager | S3 | CFO | Multiple Locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Santander Bank.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category & Sourcing Manager | S3 | CFO | Multiple Locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Santander Bank:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Santander Bank. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Santander Bank.
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander Bank
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Santander Bank!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Santander Bank. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Santander Bank's culture.
