Programme Manager | S4 | CAO | Milton Keynes | Internal Mobility
IT STARTS HERE
Santander () 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
CAO is looking for a Programme Manager based out of unity Place on a fixed term contract for 18 months.
Santander UK is looking for an S4 Programme Manager to lead and coordinate the Procurement workstream within the Sparrow Programme, supporting the successful integration of TSB.
This is a complex and high-profile workstream with significant cross-functional, legal, commercial and supplier dependencies. The role will provide Programme Manager-level leadership across the Procurement agenda, ensuring that activity is effectively governed, risks and dependencies are actively managed, and key outcomes are delivered in line with the wider Sparrow Programme.
The Procurement workstream includes managing Part VII-related requirements, defining and delivering supplier contract treatment strategies, supporting the delivery of third-party synergies, coordinating supplier communications, and identifying and addressing legal and contractual risks.
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:
Providing end-to-end programme leadership for the Procurement workstream, establishing clear plans, governance, milestones and delivery priorities.
Coordinating Procurement requirements arising from Part VII and ensuring relevant actions, dependencies and risks are understood and managed.
Leading the development and execution of supplier contract treatment strategies in support of the TSB integration.
Support on planning and monitoring of third-party supplier synergies and associated programme benefits.
Coordinating supplier engagement and communications, ensuring activity is appropriately sequenced and aligned across Procurement and the wider programme.
Working closely with Legal, Risk, Procurement and other key functions to identify, assess and resolve contractual, regulatory and delivery risks.
Maintaining effective programme governance, including management of risks, assumptions, issues, dependencies, decisions, milestones and senior-level reporting.
Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Santander and the wider integration programme, providing constructive challenge, escalating issues where required and maintaining focus on successful delivery.
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
Significant experience leading complex programmes or major workstreams within a large, regulated organisation. (Required)
Demonstrable experience of programme leadership involving Procurement, third-party suppliers, commercial arrangements and/or supplier contracts. (Required)
Proven experience managing complex cross-functional dependencies involving senior stakeholders, Legal, Risk, Procurement and other business functions. (Required)
Strong track record of establishing programme governance, managing delivery risk and driving resolution of complex issues and dependencies. (Required)
Experience of major business integration, acquisition, separation or transformation programmes. (Required)
Experience of Part VII activity, banking integration or comparable regulatory/legal transfer programmes. (Preferred)
Education
Relevant professional qualification in programme/project management, procurement, commercial management or equivalent demonstrable professional experience. (Required)
Recognised programme or project management accreditation, such as MSP, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent. (Preferred)
Languages
English
Hard Skills
Programme planning, governance, RAID and dependency management, including high-quality executive reporting. (Required)
Strong understanding of procurement, third-party supplier management and commercial/contractual considerations. (Required)
Ability to translate complex legal, contractual, commercial and regulatory requirements into clear programme actions and delivery plans. (Required)
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess delivery risk, identify options and support effective decision-making. (Required)
Experience managing programme milestones, benefits, interdependencies and senior governance forums. (Required)
Soft Skills
Strong senior stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to constructively challenge and drive decisions. (Required)
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues and communicate clearly to executive and cross-functional audiences. (Required)
Strong leadership and organisational skills, with the ability to create structure and maintain delivery momentum across a complex workstream. (Required)
Commercial judgement and a proactive approach to identifying and managing risk. (Required)
Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across Procurement, Legal, Risk, Finance and wider programme teams. (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 will be completed by the recruitment team)
Salary Range:
£68,662.00 - £102,994.00 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).
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 Catia Correia Vicente - catia.correiavicente@santander.co.uk
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