At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage a team to drive cost efficiency.
- Company: Join Santander, a leading financial services provider committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 30 days holiday, and a £6,000 car allowance.
- Other info: Flexible locations include Unity Place, Bradford, and Glasgow with a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team that values innovation and collaboration in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in global procurement and category management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
CATEGORY & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations
Country: United Kingdom
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.
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 in Milton Keynes employer: Santander
Santander UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension scheme, extensive holiday allowance, and tailored healthcare options, employees are empowered to thrive both professionally and personally. The role of Category & Sourcing Lead provides unique opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic team, all while contributing to impactful procurement strategies that drive value for the bank.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and category management. Being able to discuss current market insights and innovations during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in category management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by discussing specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to drive collaboration and stakeholder management will be crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Santander's values and culture thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion will help you align your responses during interviews, showing that you are a good fit for their workplace environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Category & Sourcing Lead | S4 | CFO | Multiple Locations in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in category management and procurement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in driving cost management and delivering value, as mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined. Mention your ability to lead teams and drive collaboration, as well as your understanding of procurement systems.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you managed large contracts or led procurement initiatives. Include metrics or outcomes that showcase your impact on cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Showcase Soft Skills:The role requires strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills. Be sure to include examples of how you've successfully worked with various teams or external partners to achieve common goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander
✨Showcase Your Category Management Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in category management, especially in a global procurement context. Highlight specific examples where you successfully developed and executed category strategies that drove value beyond price.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Expect questions that assess your ability to perform cost driver analysis and provide insights based on financial MI. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to influence business decisions and improve cost management.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Management
This role requires collaboration at an executive level. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively managed relationships with stakeholders and external partners to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Procurement Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in procurement. Be prepared to discuss how you can bring market insight and thought leadership to the role, demonstrating your understanding of industry-leading commercial models.
