At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and drive value through supplier management.
- Company: Join Santander, a tech-driven organisation focused on customer-centric transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Global growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and leading teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 100000 £ per year.
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. 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 Lead based out of Milton Keynes, Bradford or Glasgow. As Category & Sourcing Lead, you will support the Head of Category & Sourcing and the broader Procurement transformation through category excellence. You’ll drive the development and execution of strategic initiatives, translating procurement strategy into market-leading outcomes that deliver value beyond cost savings. You will lead a procurement team that supports Santander UK and associated group entities, acting as a trusted advisor and enabling the business to achieve its cost-to-income targets while enhancing supplier performance and stakeholder outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Leading the development and executive approval of category strategies
- Bringing market insight and commercial expertise
- Providing benchmarking and insights
- Driving stakeholder engagement
- Leading a high-performing team
- Acting as a subject matter expert
- Ensuring supplier performance
- Promoting procurement systems
What You’ll Bring
Professional Experience
- Proven track record in category management (Required)
- Experience managing complex contracts (Required)
- Experience leading teams (Required)
- Procurement transformation experience (Preferred)
Education
- Bachelor’s degree (Preferred)
- CIPS (Preferred)
Languages
- English (Required)
Hard Skills
- Commercial acumen (Required)
- Cost analysis (Required)
- Procurement systems (Preferred)
Soft Skills
- Stakeholder management
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
Salary Range
£77,600.00 – £100,000.00 per annum (depending on experience)
30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5 years 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.
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.
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.
Right to work in the UK
All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.
Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations employer: Santander
Santander is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and employee growth, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful careers. With a strong focus on wellbeing, competitive rewards, and opportunities for global career advancement, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and encourages bold thinking, ensuring that every team member can contribute to the company's mission of helping people and businesses prosper.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations
✨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.
✨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 Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Santander. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
