Service Engagement Partner | S4 | Milton Keynes

Our Tech Team at Santander UK is growing, and we have an exciting opportunity for a Service Engagement Partner to help us continue leading the way in innovative banking. Our Technology and Data organisation is adapting its operating model to match the overall strategy mapped out by the Senior Leadership Team. In this strategic role you'll deliver the long‑term vision for the management of the CIO Domains, as well as managing the current project landscape and change pipeline. Join us in reshaping the future of Santander and help make a difference for our customers!

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:

• Understanding and appreciating the Santander UK Technology stack and near‑term demands translating this to business integration and planning outcomes, to realise customer benefit.
• Visualising, reporting and communicating current and medium‑term business demands forged by building and maintaining relationships with all CIO leads.
• Understanding how technology can be used to simplify day to day operations and delivery, while contributing to the wider business vision and identifying opportunities for IT efficiencies.
• Recognising and reporting on the KPIs for core service provision, highlighting trends, opportunities for improvement and alternative options for service provision.
• Acting as the bridge between the Business and Technology domains to guide delivery priorities, technology choice and overall direction to exceed customer expectations.
• Understanding the CIO Domains pipeline of projects and helping the CIO Domains to deliver on their current IT projects while acting as the escalation point for the CIO Domains into IT Infrastructure.

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.

30 days holiday plus bank holidays, which increases 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 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.

Daily presence: Colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro‑rata for part‑time roles).

All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.

As a Santander UK employee, you are subject to an inclusive employment policy that provides equal opportunities for everyone – regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Broad experience as an established Technologist with deep knowledge of how infrastructure and operations permeate all business delivery and value realisation. (Required)
• Prior experience operating at the forefront of the Infrastructure, Operations and End User Technology team, with comprehensive stakeholder management, providing the intersection between Technology and Business. (Required)
• Ability to plan and forecast the use of technology to realise business goals with practical and pragmatic approaches displayed to meet all stakeholders' requirements. (Required)
• Risk appetite understanding with a natural affinity to manage and mitigate yet ensure value is derived from deliveries that meet both Technology and Business demands. (Required)
• Sound financial planning and forecasting with exposure to third‑party suppliers, recognising the need to utilise budgets wisely to meet goals. (Required)
• Experience in Programme Management with a strategic, leadership‑driven approach to managing IT infrastructure‑related projects. (Required)
• Prior experience in Pre‑Sales or Business Development roles driven from a Technology response to Business challenges. (Preferred)
• Consulting experience in the retail financial services industry based on Technology delivery with transformation a key driver to refresh and renew technology choices to meet business demands. (Preferred)
• Current industry knowledge, recognising the potential and benefit that a hybrid on‑prem and cloud approach can provide. (Preferred)
• Prior exposure or fulfilment of Service Management functions and the application of this across a traditional on‑prem and cloud base infrastructure estate. (Preferred)
• Education – Degree in a relevant field (e.g., IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or equivalent experience). (Preferred)
• Languages – Spanish. (Preferred)

Hard Skills:

• Deep knowledge of infrastructure and operations in business delivery and value realisation.
• Experience at the intersection of Technology and Business, especially in Infrastructure, Operations and End User Technology.
• Programme management experience, especially with IT infrastructure‑related projects.
• Financial planning and forecasting, including exposure to third‑party suppliers.
• Understanding of risk appetite and risk management in technology deliveries.
• Pre‑sales or business development experience from a technology perspective. (Preferred)
• Consulting experience in retail financial services, especially with technology transformation. (Preferred)
• Knowledge of hybrid on‑prem and cloud infrastructure approaches. (Preferred)
• Service management experience across traditional and cloud infrastructure estates. (Preferred)

Soft Skills:

• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills (working with CIO leads, acting as a bridge between Business and Technology).
• Excellent communication and reporting abilities (visualising, reporting, and communicating business demands and KPIs).
• Strategic thinking and planning (delivering long‑term vision, planning and forecasting technology use).
• Leadership and influence (guiding delivery priorities, acting as escalation point).
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills (identifying opportunities for IT efficiencies, reporting on trends and improvements).
• Adaptability and openness to innovation (embracing new technology and ways of working).
• Financial acumen (sound financial planning and budget management).