At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business development initiatives and drive market origination in Birmingham.
- Company: Join Santander, a tech-driven organisation focused on customer-centric transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive rewards, wellbeing support, and global growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in corporate banking while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong relationship management skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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
The Business Development Team is looking for a Business Development Director based out of Birmingham. This role reports to the Head of Business Development and works closely with the Regional Director and Corporate Client Relationship Teams as well as Product Solution Teams to drive market origination activity. You will work together to deliver a client-centric approach offering relevant banking solutions for prospect clients at the point of origination, building and enhancing Santander’s market profile and presence within the Corporate Clients segment, and working collaboratively with other relevant areas of SAN UK.
Responsibilities
- Working with the Regional Director to lead New Business delivery in the Region.
- Working with the Relationship and Product Teams to drive market origination activity as well working collaboratively with all parts of the CCB business to ensure deal conversion for the right new business opportunities.
- Supporting origination of Internationally focussed/ambitious, sustainable, high growth businesses, as well as working with structured finance to originate M&A, or Growth Capital deals.
- Building external relationships where your knowledge and understanding of businesses and the Santander Proposition is creating a source of differentiation for Santander with prospects and Key Business Introducers (KBI’s).
- Playing a leading role in co-ordinating Corporate and Commercial Banking regional origination & market strategy.
- Understanding the market opportunity, identifying market trends, and creating opportunities.
- Creating and using client advocacy to demonstrate differentiation.
- Following an IAM Risk framework, managing all types of risk.
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.
Professional Experience
- Experience and confidence in origination, including regular cold calling and targeting of leads (Required)
- A proven track record of delivering results, by winning new Corporate Clients into the Banking sector (Required)
- A good awareness of the local region and activity of our competitors in the marketplace (Required)
Education
- Degree-level education (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Business, Finance, Economics, or Accounting (Preferred)
- Relevant professional banking or finance qualification, such as the Chartered Banker Diploma, ACIB, CFA, or ACCA (or working towards) (Preferred)
Languages
- Fluent English (spoken and written) – Required for clear communication with clients, internal stakeholders, and regulatory correspondence (Required)
- Additional European language skills (e.g. Spanish or Portuguese) – Advantageous for collaboration with Santander Group colleagues and clients across international markets, but not a mandatory requirement for UK-based roles (Preferred)
Hard Skills
- Solid commercial acumen — deep understanding of corporate banking products, markets, and the wider economic environment (Required)
- Digital proficiency — confident use of CRM and workflow tools such as Salesforce, nCino, and Office 365 to manage client portfolios and ensure data accuracy (Required)
Soft Skills
- Exceptional relationship management and communication skills — able to engage and influence clients, stakeholders, and colleagues effectively (Required)
- Leadership and coaching ability — inspires and develops others, fostering a culture of collaboration, performance, and continuous improvement (Required)
- Resilient and optimistic mindset — approaches challenges positively, demonstrates adaptability, and promotes Santander’s values and behaviours (Required)
- Ability to lead and support local relationship teams to build and maintain a good origination pipeline of high-quality businesses (Preferred)
- Highly developed interpersonal, negotiation and networking skills (Preferred)
WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT
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. 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. 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. 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.
Business Development Director | S4 | CCB | Birmingham employer: Santander
Contact Detail:
Santander Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Director | S4 | CCB | Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your past successes in origination and client management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven results in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Before any interview, dive deep into Santander’s values, recent news, and their approach to corporate banking. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your responses to align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, shoot a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Director | S4 | CCB | Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Director role. Highlight your experience in origination and client management, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant banking qualifications you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Santander. Mention your understanding of the market and how you can contribute to our customer-centric transformation.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your professional experience, focus on your achievements. Use specific examples of how you've successfully won new clients or driven market origination activities in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the local market trends and Santander's position within it. Understanding competitors and their strategies will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re proactive and well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Results
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully originated new business in the past. Use metrics and figures to back up your claims, as this demonstrates your ability to deliver results and adds credibility to your experience.
✨Master the Art of Relationship Building
Since this role heavily relies on relationship management, think of ways to illustrate your exceptional communication skills. Share stories where you’ve effectively engaged clients or stakeholders, highlighting your ability to influence and inspire others.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and resilience. Prepare for scenarios related to risk management and client advocacy, and think about how you would approach these situations while aligning with Santander’s values.