Relationship Director & Corporate Clients

ISBAN - Grupo Santander; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading banking institution in Chelmsford is seeking a Relationship Director to manage a portfolio of corporate clients. This role involves driving business growth and providing an exceptional client experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business development, credit underwriting, and excellent communication skills. The company offers numerous benefits, including a competitive car allowance and opportunities for professional development. The role supports a hybrid working model.

Benefits

30 days' holiday plus bank holidays

£6,000 car allowance

Company-funded medical insurance

Share plans availability

Flexible healthcare and mental health support

Qualifications

• Experience in developing business strategies for corporate banking.
• High level of credit underwriting and financial crime risk.
• Proven record of providing high-quality client experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of corporate clients ensuring excellent service.
• Drive business growth through strategic client relationships.
• Coach Relationship Managers to enhance their skills.

Skills

Business development strategy

High level of credit underwriting

Client experience

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or Accounting

Chartered Banker Diploma, ACIB, CFA, ACCA

Tools

Salesforce

nCino

Office 365

Job description

Relationship Director | S3 | Corporate Clients | ChelmsfordCountry: United Kingdom**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.**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****Corporate Clients** are looking for a **Relationship Director** based out of **Chelmsford.**As a Relationship Director, you will be managing a portfolio of corporate clients, meeting financial expectations and ensuring clients receive a great experience, including timely intervention when required. You will also be responsible and accountable for driving primacy, growing the portfolio and meeting all governance requirements such as credit stewardship and financial crime.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:* Driving a proactive and collaborative environment across CCB.* Providing your clients with an experience that is second to none.* Creating and delivering a growth strategy including relationships with clients, prospects, and professionals.* Deliver against agreed OKRs and KPIs. This will include NPS through internal and external sources.* Driving high levels of client insight and creating advocates of the Corporate Bank through your portfolio and wider network.* Coach Relationship Manager(s) to improve their skills and knowledge.**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*** Experience of developing and driving a business development strategy, to deliver the Corporate Bank’s ambitious growth, through existing client network and intermediaries. (Required)* High level of credit underwriting and financial crime risk skills. (Required)* Proven record of providing high quality client experience. (Required)* Proven experience of corporate businesses. (Required)* Proven knowledge of risks and mitigations. (Required)* Excellent presentation, negotiation, analytical, and report-writing skills. (Required)**Education*** Degree-level education (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as Business, Finance, Economics, or Accounting. — (Preferred)* Relevant professional banking or finance qualification, such as the Chartered Banker Diploma, ACIB, CFA, or ACCA (or working towards). — (Preferred)* Advanced credit and risk analysis training or certification demonstrating sound commercial lending and portfolio management skills. — (Preferred)* Ongoing commitment to professional development, including regulatory awareness and leadership capability, aligned with Santander’s standards for continuous learning. — (Required)**Languages*** Fluent English (spoken and written) — (Required) + Required for clear communication with clients, internal stakeholders, and regulatory correspondence.* Additional European language skills (e.g. Spanish or Portuguese) — (Preferred) + Advantageous for collaboration with Santander Group colleagues and clients across international markets, but not a mandatory requirement for UK-based roles.**Hard Skills*** Advanced credit and financial analysis — ability to assess risk, structure complex lending solutions, and prepare high-quality credit submissions. (Required)* Strong commercial acumen — deep understanding of corporate banking products, markets, and the wider economic environment. (Required)* Digital proficiency — confident use of CRM and workflow tools such as Salesforce, nCino, and Office 365 to manage client portfolios and ensure data accuracy. (Required)**Soft Skills*** Exceptional relationship management and communication skills — able to engage and influence clients, stakeholders, and colleagues effectively. (Required)* Leadership and coaching ability — inspires and develops others, fostering a culture of collaboration, performance, and continuous improvement. (Required)* Resilient and optimistic mindset — approaches challenges positively, demonstrates adaptability, and promotes Santander’s values and behaviours. (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.* 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5yrs service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year* £6,000 car allowance per year* Company funded individual private medical insurance* Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.* Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans.* As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services* **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.**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