Structured Core Trade Associate

Country: Spain

IT STARTS HERE

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization, 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.

Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (Santander CIB) is Santander's global division that supports some of the world's most complex and sophisticated corporate and institutional clients, offering customized services and value-added wholesale products to best meet their needs.

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE

Santander Corporate & Investment Banking is looking for an Associate to join the Structured Core Trade (SCT) team based in our Boadilla del Monte (Madrid) office.

Structured Core Trade is a global front-office team within Global Transaction Banking responsible for originating, structuring and executing Trade Finance solutions for corporate clients and financial institutions across Santander’s international footprint.

The team combines traditional Trade Finance expertise with the development of innovative and strategic solutions, working on guarantees, letters of credit, trade loans, collateral-backed structures and other specialized Trade Finance transactions. SCT partners closely with Trade Sales, Coverage, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Operations and external counterparties to deliver complex solutions to clients globally.

The Associate will play a key role in supporting both the commercial management and execution of Trade Finance transactions across designated geographies, while contributing to the development and commercialization of strategic initiatives and new business opportunities.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to international clients, financial institutions and senior stakeholders while working on a combination of day-to-day transaction execution, business origination and innovative structuring projects.

We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, collaboration and the development of strategic Trade Finance solutions across Santander’s global platform. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the origination, structuring and execution of Trade Finance transactions, including Guarantees, Letters of Credit, Trade Loans and other structured solutions across multiple geographies.
• Managing and developing relationships with geographies and internal stakeholders to support business growth, optimize pricing and enhance product delivery.
• Preparing and delivering pricing proposals for Letters of Credit, Guarantees and other Trade Finance opportunities presented by Trade Sales and Coverage teams.
• Coordinating transaction execution and driving internal approval processes across relevant stakeholders, including Risk, Legal, Compliance, Operations, Middle Office and Finance teams.
• Monitoring pipeline, revenues and business opportunities within assigned markets and contributing to the achievement of commercial objectives.
• Supporting the structuring, commercialization and execution of strategic transactions and initiatives, including collateral-backed structures and other specialized Trade Finance solutions.
• Preparing high-quality client presentations, business cases, internal approval materials and management reports, ensuring strong analytical content and professional presentation standards.
• Contributing to process improvements, product development initiatives and the identification of new business opportunities across Santander’s international network.

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 organization. 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

• 3 to 6 years of experience within Banking, Trade Finance, Transaction Banking, Financial Institutions or Structured Finance environments (Required)
• Experience managing Trade Finance transactions, including Letters of Credit, Guarantees, Trade Loans or related products (Preferred).
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders across Front Office, Risk, Legal, Compliance and Operations functions (Preferred)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Finance, Law, Engineering or related disciplines (Required)
• Postgraduate studies, master’s degree or relevant professional certifications will be considered a plus (Preferred)

Languages

• English (Required)
• Spanish (Preferred)
• Portuguese or other languages considered a plus (Preferred)

Hard Skills

• Good understanding of Trade Finance products and structures, including Guarantees, Letters of Credit and related risk mitigation instruments (Required)
• Good understanding of regulatory, compliance and capital frameworks affecting Trade Finance activities (AML, Sanctions, Basel, KYC) (Required)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex transactions and business opportunities (Required)
• Experience preparing client presentations, business cases and internal approval materials (Preferred)
• Advanced with Excel & PowerPoint (Required)
• Good knowledge about Doc trade standards (UCP 600, ISP98, URDG 758) (Preferred)

Soft Skills

• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to identify and develop business opportunities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and highly demanding environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proactive attitude, intellectual curiosity and willingness to take ownership of projects and transactions
• Team player with the ability to collaborate across functions, geographies and seniority levels

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

Your contribution matters, and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair, competitive reward package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. But we know rewards go beyond numbers.

• We’re enable our teams to go beyond through global opportunities and broad career paths.
• Flexibility that works. Enjoy a hybrid working models—some days remote, some days onsite with your team—along with flexible hours.
• Learning for life. Access hundreds of courses on our platforms, including exclusive access to our global learning space: Santander Open Academy (www.santanderopenacademy.com)
• Competitive rewards. Receive a highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses, motivating you to keep growing with us.
• Financial advantages. Benefit from preferential banking terms, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and more.
• Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy, our global wellness programme, we promote Holistic wellbeing.
• We know family is everything. That’s why we offer childcare support and family-friendly programmes tailored to each life stage.
• Always by your side. Get access to Santander Contigo, our program for employees and their families offering legal, emotional, and administrative advisory services.
• Extra benefits. Gym/WellHub membership, medical centers in some of our facilities, meal subsidy, parking, shuttle service from various points in Madrid, as well as exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And that’s only the beginning—we’ll tell you more when you join!

We’re here to keep you motivated, help you reach your goals, and celebrate your progress, every step of the way.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

Santander is proud of being an organization where there are equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.
 

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR JOURNEY?

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