Category & Sourcing Manager | S3 | CFO | Multiple Locations | Internal Mobility in Milton Keynes

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 are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

The CFO (Cost & Procurement) team is undertaking a multi‑year transformation focused on creating a platform to drive significant incremental value through an operating model that maximises the potential of the supplier ecosystem. The Category & Sourcing Manager will lead supplier management, category management, and sourcing activity aligned to a specific spend area, supporting Santander UK and associated group entities in achieving cost‑to‑income targets.

Responsibilities

• Build multi‑year sourcing and category strategies using market data and industry trends.
• Lead and execute complex and strategic sourcing activity.
• Drive cost and business benefits aligned to procurement and business targets.
• Translate business strategy into actionable sourcing and category plans.
• Identify value through contract lifecycle management.
• Support stakeholder engagement across the organisation.
• Ensure supplier performance meets expectations in quality, compliance and cost.
• Contribute to financial planning, forecasting and budget management.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive rewards that reflect real impact.
• Wellbeing support across physical, mental, social and financial pillars.
• Support for every life stage with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore the international network.

Salary Range £53,500.00 – £80,250.00 per annum (depending on experience). Annual salary is based on a standard 35‑hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.

Equal Opportunities Santander is an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone – regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating a recruitment experience that is accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates.