At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for Personal Current Accounts and drive customer growth.
- Company: Join Santander, a tech-driven bank focused on innovation and customer experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing support, and global career opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in banking while shaping the future of customer accounts.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in retail banking and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 92200 - 149882 £ per year.
Country: United Kingdom
IT STARTS HERE
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’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.
Retail & Commercial Banking is a global business integrating all our retail and commercial banking activities to better serve our customers, improve efficiency and drive value creation.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Everyday Banking is looking for a Head of Personal Current Accounts based out of UP/TSQ. This role is a 6 month FTC/Secondment. This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for defining and delivering Santander UK's end-to-end strategy for Personal Current Accounts. You'll accelerate franchise growth by driving customer acquisition, balance growth, commercial performance and market-leading customer experiences. Working across multiple executive stakeholders, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of the current account business while supporting the successful integration of TSB and strengthening Santander's competitive position in the UK market.
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:
- Defining and executing the strategic vision for Santander UK's Personal Current Account proposition.
- Driving sustainable growth in current accounts, deposits and payment flows across the Retail business.
- Owning commercial performance, including P&L, pricing optimisation and financial outcomes.
- Developing compelling customer propositions that increase customer engagement, loyalty and balance growth.
- Championing customer-first design, ensuring excellent customer outcomes while maintaining strong conduct and regulatory standards.
- Leading cross-functional delivery with Technology, Operations, Risk, Finance and Commercial teams to execute strategic priorities.
- Building strong relationships with Santander Group stakeholders to support integration initiatives and strategic transformation.
- Leading, developing and inspiring a high-performing leadership team focused on delivering exceptional business and customer outcomes.
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. We're enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Professional Experience
- Significant leadership experience with ownership of a large commercial P&L within retail or commercial banking. (Required)
- Proven track record of developing and delivering customer proposition and growth strategies within transaction banking or liabilities products. (Required)
- Experience leading complex, cross-functional transformation and change programmes in a regulated financial services environment. (Required)
- Experience operating at Executive or senior leadership level with extensive stakeholder management. (Preferred)
Education
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics or a related discipline. (Required)
- Relevant banking or financial services professional qualifications. (Preferred)
- MBA or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field. (Preferred)
Languages
- English. (Required)
- Spanish. (Preferred)
Hard Skills
- Strong commercial and financial management with proven P&L ownership. (Required)
- Deep understanding of UK retail banking, current accounts, transaction banking and deposit products. (Required)
- Strong knowledge of UK regulatory, conduct risk and customer outcome frameworks. (Required)
- Experience of pricing strategy, proposition development and commercial performance management. (Preferred)
Soft Skills
- Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into execution.
- Exceptional leadership, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong communication, collaboration and decision-making capabilities.
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: £99,922.00 - £149,882.00 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). 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 sponsorship. You 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. For further Guidance please visit Internal Mobility – Candidate Guidance. If you want to know more about the opportunity: Please contact Gail Russell– Gail.Russell@santander.co.uk
Interim Head of Personal Current Accounts | S5 | Retail & Business Banking | Multiple locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes employer: Santander UK
Santander UK is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the financial services sector. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive health coverage, alongside opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment. Working in this dynamic location not only enhances career prospects but also allows for meaningful contributions to risk management in technology and operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Personal Current Accounts | S5 | Retail & Business Banking | Multiple locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Santander UK.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Santander UK might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Personal Current Accounts | S5 | Retail & Business Banking | Multiple locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Santander UK will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Santander UK. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Santander UK confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander UK
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Santander UK.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Santander UK that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
