Business Development Director Job in UK 2026 | Santander

February 23, 2026 5:07 am

Business Development Director Job in UK 2026 | Santander

A senior leadership opportunity is available with Santander for a Business Development Director based in Birmingham, United Kingdom. This permanent role sits within Corporate & Commercial Banking (CCB) and offers a competitive executive compensation package under the UK Skilled Worker visa route (sponsorship available for eligible candidates).

This is a high-impact origination leadership role focused on driving corporate client growth, regional market strategy, and structured finance opportunities across the Midlands.

About Role

As Business Development Director, you will lead new business origination activity across the region, working closely with the Regional Director, Corporate Relationship Teams, and Product Solutions specialists. Your core mandate is to identify, target, and convert high-quality corporate clients into long-term banking relationships.

You will focus on internationally ambitious, sustainable, and high-growth businesses, including structured finance opportunities such as M&A and growth capital transactions. The role requires proactive lead generation, strong external networking with Key Business Introducers (KBIs), and the ability to differentiate Santander’s corporate proposition in a competitive market.

Operating within Santander’s IAM Risk framework, you will ensure responsible risk management while driving commercial growth. This position combines strategic market insight with hands-on deal origination and executive stakeholder engagement. Hybrid working applies, with a minimum in-office requirement of 12 days per month.

About Hiring Firm

Santander is a global financial institution undergoing a technology-driven transformation. Within the UK, Santander’s Retail & Commercial Banking division integrates corporate and retail banking services to deliver value-driven, customer-centric solutions. The organisation is known for its strong risk culture, international network, digital innovation strategy, and structured career development pathways across global markets.

Responsibilities

Lead regional new business origination in partnership with the Regional Director
Identify, target, and convert high-quality corporate clients
Drive structured finance opportunities, including M&A and growth capital deals
Collaborate with the Relationship and Product teams to ensure successful deal conversion
Build and maintain relationships with Key Business Introducers (KBIs)
Develop and execute regional market origination strategies
Analyse market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities
Represent Santander in external networking and industry engagements
Operate within the IAM Risk framework to manage regulatory and commercial risk

Requirements

Proven track record in corporate banking origination and cold outreach
Demonstrated success in winning new corporate clients in the UK banking sector
Strong understanding of regional market dynamics and competitor activity
Degree-level education in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field (preferred)
Professional banking qualifications (ACIB, CFA, ACCA, Chartered Banker) advantageous
Fluent English (additional European language skills beneficial)
Strong commercial acumen across corporate banking products
Proficiency with CRM systems such as Salesforce and workflow tools like nCino
Exceptional relationship management and negotiation skills
Leadership capability with the ability to inspire and guide regional teams
Eligibility for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship (if applicable)

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This Birmingham-based executive opportunity offers competitive remuneration, discretionary rewards, private wellbeing support, pension benefits, global career mobility, and employer-covered mandatory visa sponsorship fees under the Skilled Worker route.

If you are a commercially driven corporate banking leader ready to shape regional market growth within a globally recognised financial institution, this 2026 Business Development Director role provides both strategic influence and international career advancement. Apply now to lead Santander’s next phase of corporate growth in the UK.