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.
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
SANTANDER UK TRADE & SUPPLIER FINANCE is looking for a TRADE FINANCE MIDDLE OFFICE ANALYST based out of MANCHESTER.
Trade Finance is an integral part of the growth strategy for Santander Corporate & Commercial Banking. As a Trade Finance Middle Office Analyst, you will be a key part of the Middle Office team, which is presently going through a significant transformation program. You will be supporting the transformation project either directly or indirectly (depending on experience).
You will be processing Trade Finance transactions directly, to deliver market leading service to the clients using Santander for their Trade Finance servicing where you will check & process non-standardised and specialist product & new business within tight timescales; or undertake complex analysis of Trade Finance activity to ensure we are operationally ready for the change.
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:
Processing full lifecycle of complex Trade Finance transactions – e.g. Letters of Credit, Guarantees and/or structuring and drafting Trade Finance Facilities.
Approval of standard & complex Trade Finance transactions.
Providing expert technical support to Front Office and Customers on Trade Finance product capabilities within ICC rules (UCP600/URDG/ISP98) and credit conditions.
Liaison with customers on complex transactional issues and document discrepancies.
Leading & delivering to targets on specialist product and/or project related work streams.
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
Extensive experience in Letters of Credit and/or Guarantees end-to-end processing as follows:
Letters of Credit (import/export) - full lifecycle management (issuance, amendments, advising, confirmation, acceptance, payment, discounting), document checking in line with UCP600, and discrepancy management; and/or
Guarantees (including bonds and standby LCs) - full lifecycle management (issuance, amendments, claims handling, periodic charging, and correspondent bank fee management), as well as wording review in line with URDG/ISP98 and credit conditions; OR
Proven experience in drafting and structuring Trade Finance facilities within a banking environment.
Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision and provide technical guidance to others from day one.
In depth knowledge of relevant specialist Trade Finance systems.
Strong relationship skills with internal and external stakeholders – e.g. Customers, Front Office, Credit, Financial Crime, Products.
Comfortable and professional in directly handling complex customer queries and providing technical solutions in line with ICC rules & credit conditions.
Performing standard & complex checks, then querying and resolving discrepancies with clients.
Managing Customer communications, e- mail, telephone, post & client portals.
Good personal organisation and planning skills, including process deadline management.
Successful track record of consistently achieving and exceeding service targets.
Strong personal drive to achieve planned results, to deal with ad hoc data requests and to rise to the challenges of a busy and highly pressurised working environment.
Experience of working in a fast-paced transforming environment.
Excellent level of numeracy, attention to detail and accurate data entry skills.
Understanding of MS Office, particularly Excel.
Willing to work additional hours at peak periods (e.g. month end) to manage significant peaks of activity.
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.
25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 26 days after 5yrs service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.
Voluntary healthcare benefits at discounted rates. Including: medical insurance, dental insurance, and health assessments
We put 8% of salary into your pension, even if you don’t contribute yourself. We’ll pay in up to 12.5% of salary, if you contribute as well, and you can take some of our contribution in cash if you prefer.
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
All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.
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.