Head of Corporate and Internal Governance | S5 | Corporate Governance Office | Multiple locations | Internal Mobility

Head of Corporate and Internal Governance | S5 | Corporate Governance Office | Multiple locations | Internal Mobility 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. In this high-profile role as Head of Corporate and Internal Governance, you will lead the Corporate and Internal Governance function within the UK Corporate Governance Office. Reporting to the Company Secretary, you will provide strategic leadership, deputise when required and ensure the delivery of a high-quality, cost-effective governance service while continuously improving the frameworks, practices and policies that support the Santander UK group. THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE THE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OFFICE is looking for a HEAD OF CORPORATE AND INTERNAL GOVERNANCE based out of MILTON KEYNES/LONDON . You'll lead a professional team responsible for corporate, subsidiary and internal governance, helping shape the strategic direction of the Corporate Governance Office and ensuring expert, pragmatic advice is delivered across the business. You'll play a critical role in maintaining high standards of governance, risk management and control, while building trusted relationships with senior management and Executive and Non-Executive Board members. 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: Deputising for the Company Secretary and acting as a key member of the Corporate Governance Office Leadership Team, contributing to senior management discussions, decisions and the function's strategic direction. Leading and developing the Corporate and Internal Governance team, including performance management, succession planning, resource allocation and building a collaborative, high-performing culture. Acting as Secretary and adviser to one or more Board-level Committees, ensuring effective meeting support and strong relationships with senior management and Executive and Non-Executive Board members. Overseeing the provision of corporate and internal governance advice to the business, and acting as the liaison between the Group Internal Governance Office and Santander UK on corporate governance matters. Overseeing subsidiary governance, including compliance with the Companies Act and the Subsidiary Governance Framework. Overseeing specialist advice on governance best practice, statutory and listing compliance, the Annual Report and Accounts, and relevant requirements for the Ring-Fenced Bank and holding company. Ensuring compliance with external and internal corporate governance, legal and regulatory obligations, supporting effective controls and helping the bank meet its financial crime prevention responsibilities. Providing commercial and pragmatic advice on new business and regulatory developments and projects, clearly identifying statutory, compliance, governance and prudential control risks. Overseeing corporate governance projects and continuously improving processes, frameworks, systems and ways of working to drive quality, efficiency and productivity. The expected split of your time will be corporate governance and meeting support (30%), internal governance (20%), subsidiary governance (40%) and projects (10%). 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 are 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 Company secretarial experience gained within a listed company or financial services company (Required). Broad experience of corporate and financial services law, company secretarial practice and governance in a regulated environment (Required). Significant experience leading a corporate governance or secretariat team and managing, developing and motivating a professional team (Required). Experience acting as Secretary and adviser to Board-level Committees and building effective relationships with senior management and Executive and Non-Executive Board members (Required). Experience providing specialist advice on corporate governance best practice, statutory and listing compliance, internal governance requirements and regulatory developments (Required). Experience overseeing subsidiary governance, Companies Act compliance and an effective subsidiary governance framework, together with experience of the Annual Report and Accounts programme (Required). Experience leading complex governance projects, evaluating processes, delivering improvements and efficiencies, and contributing to management discussions and decision-making at a senior level (Required). Education Chartered Secretary possessing relevant company secretarial experience in financial services (Required). Languages English Hard Skills Strong analytical and strategic thinking, with the ability to work alongside senior management and translate strategy into clear objectives and outcomes (Required). Well-developed organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, varied workloads and tight deadlines with minimal supervision (Required). Excellent attention to detail and written and oral communication skills, including the ability to handle confidential information and sensitive matters appropriately (Required). Strong knowledge of corporate governance, legal and regulatory obligations, including Companies Act, Stock Exchange, FCA/PRA and internal governance framework requirements (Required). Ability to provide commercial, pragmatic and solutions-based advice, identify risk and control implications and influence decisions at all levels (Required). Soft Skills Strong leadership skills, personal impact and gravitas, with the ability to act independently and decisively and inspire confidence (Required). Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder management and diplomacy skills, with the ability to build lasting relationships and influence senior stakeholders (Required). An open, collaborative and adaptable approach, with the ability to manage expectations, resolve conflict, respond positively to feedback and sustain team spirit and morale (Required). Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a busy professional team, flexing effectively when priorities and responsibilities change (Required). 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: £130,400.00 - £195,600.00 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. 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. 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. For further Guidance please visit Internal Mobility - Candidate Guidance . If you want to know more about the opportunity: Please contact [email protected]