At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier management and sourcing strategies to drive value for Santander UK.
- Company: Join Santander UK, a tech-driven organisation committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing support, flexible working, and global career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 80250 £ per year.
This job is with Santander UK, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
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 Manager based out of Milton Keynes, Bradford or Glasgow. 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.
To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:
- 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
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Professional Experience
- 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)
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Procurement or related discipline (Preferred)
- Professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS) (Preferred)
Languages
- English (Required)
Hard Skills
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills (Required)
- Cost analysis and financial insight capability (Required)
- Knowledge of procurement systems and processes (Preferred)
Soft Skills
- Stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
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: £53,500.00 - £80,250.00 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.
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.
Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.
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.
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).
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. For further Guidance please visit Internal Mobility - Candidate Guidance. If you want to know more about the opportunity: Please contact Name - Amy.McDonnell@santander.co.uk
Category & Sourcing Manager | S3 | CFO | Multiple Locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes employer: Santander UK
Santander UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee growth, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation and bold thinking are celebrated. With competitive rewards, comprehensive wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional development across its international network, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in locations like Milton Keynes, Bradford, or Glasgow. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
Contact Details:
Santander UK Recruitment Team
Amy.McDonnell@santander.co.uk
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 UK.
✨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 UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Santander UK. 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 UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander UK
✨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 UK!
✨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 UK. 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 UK's culture.
