IT STARTS HERE
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 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 Edinburgh.
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.
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:
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.
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
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 strong 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)
Required for clear communication with clients, internal stakeholders, and regulatory correspondence.
Additional European language skills (e.g. Spanish or Portuguese) — (Preferred)
Advantageous for collaboration with Santander Group colleagues and clients across international markets, but not a mandatory requirement for UK-based roles.
Hard Skills
Strong 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 strong origination pipeline of high-quality businesses. (Preferred)
Highly developed interpersonal, negotiation and networking skills. (Preferred)
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.
30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5yrs 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.
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).
Right to work in the UK
Every individual must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander either by way of nationality, visa or work permit. If you do require a working visa / permit this will not influence our decision on whether to progress your application. However, if you do not have a right to work, or an application for a working visa / permit is unsuccessful, Santander will not proceed with your application and will withdraw any conditional offer previously made.
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.