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 robust risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

Risk & Compliance plays a critical role in protecting Santander, our customers and our communities by providing independent oversight, challenge and assurance. We enable the business to achieve its strategic objectives while maintaining great governance, effective risk management and a culture of accountability.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU’LL MAKE

Risk & Compliance is looking for a Portfolio Control Manager based in Glasgow or Milton Keynes.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and evolving the governance, planning and operational effectiveness of our second line Compliance Monitoring function. As Portfolio Control Manager, you will own and continuously enhance the portfolio management framework that underpins the Compliance Monitoring Programme, enabling consistent, high-quality assurance delivery across multiple Monitoring & Testing teams.

You'll lead strategic portfolio planning, governance, operational oversight and continuous improvement activities while supporting the safe adoption of AI-enabled solutions, automation and data-driven decision making. Working closely with senior leaders, you'll help strengthen governance, improve efficiency and ensure the function is well positioned to respond to evolving regulatory expectations and strategic priorities.

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:

Owning the portfolio management framework and governance model across the Monitoring & Testing function, ensuring consistent, efficient and effective delivery of the Compliance Monitoring Programme.
Leading portfolio planning, scheduling and resource coordination across Monitoring & Testing coverage teams to support strategic, regulatory and business priorities.
Driving the consistent application of governance standards, portfolio planning disciplines, risk assessment methodologies and reporting across the function.
Owning the end-to-end issues management framework, ensuring effective tracking, escalation, governance and timely closure of actions arising from monitoring activities.
Developing portfolio-wide conduct risk insights, management information, dashboards and executive reporting to support data-driven decision making and effective governance.
Establishing and managing the central repository for AI and data use cases while promoting governance, knowledge sharing and the safe adoption of innovative technologies across the function.
Leading the standardisation, automation and continuous improvement of portfolio management processes to improve operational efficiency and simplify ways of working.
Building great relationships with senior stakeholders across Monitoring & Testing and the wider Risk & Compliance function, providing strategic portfolio insights and recommendations that support informed decision making.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us greater 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.

Professional Experience

Significant experience in portfolio management, programme management, governance, business management or operational risk within Financial Services. (Required)
Experience leading a central portfolio management, governance or business management function supporting multiple teams or workstreams within a complex organisation. (Required)
Experience in strategic planning, portfolio governance, risk assessment coordination, issues management and executive reporting. (Required)
Experience developing and implementing governance frameworks, operating models or portfolio management disciplines that improve organisational effectiveness. (Required)
Experience driving process improvement, standardisation and operational efficiency across complex portfolios, programmes or functions. (Required)
Experience supporting the governance and adoption of AI, automation or data-driven initiatives within a controlled environment. (Preferred)
Experience working within a second line Risk, Compliance, Monitoring & Testing or Internal Audit function. (Preferred)
Experience supporting large-scale change, transformation or target operating model initiatives. (Preferred)

Education

Degree or equivalent professional experience. (Required)
ICA, PRINCE2, Agile, APM, CISI or equivalent professional qualification. (Preferred)

Languages

English (Required)

Hard Skills

Great understanding of portfolio governance, operational risk, planning and assurance methodologies. (Required)
Great analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and develop meaningful management information. (Required)
Experience using portfolio management, workflow management, reporting, analytics or AI-enabled technologies to support governance and operational delivery. (Preferred)
Knowledge of Compliance Monitoring, Conduct Risk or wider Financial Crime frameworks. (Preferred)

Soft Skills

Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. (Required)
Great communication, influencing and presentation skills, including experience engaging senior executives and governance forums. (Required)
Strategic thinking with the ability to balance long-term objectives and operational delivery. (Required)
Highly organised with excellent planning, prioritisation and problem-solving skills. (Required)
A collaborative leadership style with a passion for continuous improvement, innovation and simplifying ways of working. (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:

£54,318.00 - £81,478.00 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 four 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 (only applicable for roles eligible for sponsorship).

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: Brendan Maguire - [email protected]

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