Head of Portfolio Strategy and Credit Appetite – Corporate Credit Risk, Portfolio Management

Santander

Santander corporate credit risk leader shaping portfolio strategy, lending policies and risk appetite. Guiding governance, regulatory alignment and high-performing teams across UK banking operations.

Posted 8/11/2026full-timeMilton Keynes • 🇬🇧 United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Corporate Credit Risk Management, including policy development, risk appetite frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive transformation through process optimization and effective governance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Corporate Credit Risk ManagementRisk Appetite FrameworksStakeholder EngagementPolicy DevelopmentPeople Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Credit Risk OversightGovernance Paper PreparationRegulatory ComplianceAnalytical SkillsTechnical Writing

Soft Skills

Collaborative LeadershipConstructive ChallengeAttention to DetailContinuous Improvement MindsetResilience

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeExcelPowerPointTeamsAI Tools

Industry Keywords

Risk GovernanceFinancial ServicesLending PolicyAudit Trail DisciplineSector Appetite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and maintain corporate credit risk policies, standards, frameworks, and sector appetite guidance owned by the Chief Lending Officer
Hold end-to-end accountability for Credit Risk Appetite, including design, calibration, challenge and governance engagement
Shape portfolio strategy to align with risk appetite and macroeconomic conditions and support sector reviews
Drive transformation through policy simplification, process optimisation and approved AI tools
Engage with senior stakeholders across Business, Risk, Group and Regulators
Present papers and recommendations to local governance forums including CBCRCF and ERCC, and Group forums including RPF
Support the Head of Risk Portfolio Management on regulatory, audit and Group activities, credit risk reviews, remediation actions and senior stakeholder or regulator presentations
Ensure alignment with Group frameworks and local implementation
Provide credit risk oversight for the annual Business Strategic Commercial Plan
Build and develop a high-performing team, set objectives, develop succession capability, maintain a robust risk and control culture, and support colleague wellbeing and career growth

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience in Corporate or Commercial Credit Risk, with expertise in policy, frameworks and risk governance and/or credit sanctioning/approver experience
Experience managing senior stakeholders across first line, second line, Group, central risk and business areas, including constructive challenge
Proven ownership of Risk Appetite or portfolio oversight frameworks (preferred)
Experience preparing governance papers and presenting recommendations to senior risk, credit or executive committees and/or governance forums (preferred)
Experience leading or coordinating regulatory, audit, Group validation or assurance activity in a financial services environment (preferred)
People management experience, including objective setting, coaching, performance management, capacity planning and development of high-performing teams (preferred)
Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in risk management, finance, economics, business, banking or a related discipline (preferred)
Excellent understanding of corporate credit risk management, including lending policy, delegated authorities, risk appetite, sector appetite and asset quality
Ability to interpret and apply Group, regulatory and internal risk requirements within local policy and governance frameworks
Excellent policy and technical writing skills
Strong analytical and governance skills, including attention to detail, issue escalation, audit trail discipline and control mindset
Confident user of Microsoft Office and collaboration tools, including Teams, Excel and PowerPoint
Understanding of approved AI or automation tools and their application to controlled risk processes (preferred)
Constructive challenge and sound judgement (preferred)
Collaborative leadership style bringing L1, L2, Group and business stakeholders together (preferred)
Methodical, diligent and resilient approach, with ability to deliver quality work to tight deadlines (preferred)
Continuous improvement mindset and commitment to inclusion, team wellbeing, colleague development and high performance (preferred)
Relevant professional experience may be accepted as an equivalent to the preferred degree

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring
Wellbeing partners across physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing
Access to wellbeing apps
Discounted gym and fitness access
Weekly online classes
Flexible healthcare and mental health support
Enhanced family leave
Childcare options
Tailored wellbeing support for every life stage
Volunteering opportunities
Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore opportunities across Santander’s international network
Hybrid working pattern