Head of Procurement | S5 | DFACT | Unity Place | Internal Mobility

Head of Procurement | S5 | DFACT | Unity Place | 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. 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 Santander UK is looking for a Head of Technology & Operations Local Procurement based out of Milton Keynes . As Head of Technology & Operations Procurement – UK, you will lead the local procurement strategy and vendor management agenda across the UK Technology & Operations organization You will be responsible for defining and executing sourcing strategies, managing strategic supplier relationships, driving commercial optimization, and ensuring strong governance across the end-to-end third-party lifecycle 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: 1. Procurement Strategy & Leadership Define and execute the US procurement strategy for Technology & Operations categories Align sourcing initiatives with business, financial, operational, and transformation priorities Drive procurement maturity, simplification, and process standardization initiatives Act as a strategic advisor to senior T&O leadership on sourcing, supplier, and commercial decisions 2. Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Management Lead complex sourcing initiatives across software, infrastructure, cloud, telecom, cybersecurity, professional services, BPO, workplace services, data, AI, and market data categories Lead high-value negotiations and commercial engagements with strategic vendors and local providers Drive value creation through cost optimization, demand management, commercial restructuring, and supplier rationalization Support transformation initiatives through innovative commercial models and strategic partnerships 3. Vendor & Third-Party Governance Manage the end-to-end vendor lifecycle across strategic Technology & Operations suppliers Establish governance frameworks to monitor supplier performance, operational resilience, and contractual compliance support third-party risk management activities in partnership with Risk, Legal, Compliance, Cybersecurity, and Internal Audit teams Ensure appropriate governance across outsourcing and critical third-party engagements 4. Stakeholder & Executive Engagement Build strong relationships across Technology, Operations, Finance, Legal, Risk, Cybersecurity, and executive leadership teams Act as trusted advisor for procurement, sourcing, and vendor-related matters Influence sourcing and investment decisions through strong commercial and operational insight 5. Financial & Operational Performance Drive procurement performance across savings, cost avoidance, vendor optimization, and value realization initiatives Support budget optimization and financial governance activities Challenge demand and consumption models to improve efficiency and scalability 6. Team Leadership & Organizational Development Lead and develop a high-performing procurement and vendor management team Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and execution excellence Define performance objectives, KPIs, and development plans for the organization 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 10+ years of experience in Technology procurement, strategic sourcing, vendor management, or related functions Strong experience within financial services or other highly regulated industries Proven leadership experience managing complex sourcing and vendor ecosystems Demonstrated success leading large-scale negotiations across technology, software, cloud, outsourcing, and professional services Strong background in third-party governance, outsourcing oversight, and supplier risk management Hard Skills Strong understanding of technology ecosystems, cloud, SaaS, infrastructure, and outsourcing models (Required) Familiarity with AI vendors, digital transformation trends, and emerging technologies (Required) Advanced sourcing and commercial negotiation expertise Strong analytical and financial acumen Soft Skills Senior presence with strong stakeholder engagement skills Ability to lead within complex matrix environments Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing capabilities 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: £101,836.00 - £152,754.00 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(s). 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]