Category and Sourcing Lead | S4 | T&O | Milton Keynes

Category and Sourcing Lead | S4 | T&O | Milton Keynes

Country: United Kingdom

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.

Santander UK is increasingly reliant on the third parties which underpin our operations. We 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

Santander UK is looking for a Category & Sourcing Lead – Technology based out of Milton Keynes.

As Category & Sourcing Lead for Technology, you will support the Head of Procurement 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.

To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

- Leading the development and executive approval of category strategies, aligning to our global technology 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 and sourcing within the technology category across a broad range of categories (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

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.

Salary Range:

£77,600.00 - £100,000.00 per annum (depending on experience)

This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.

• 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.

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.

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 [email protected].