VP, Senior Legal Counsel - Global Transaction Banking

About the role

The Difference You Make
As Senior Legal Counsel for Santander Corporate & Investment Banking (“CIB”), you serve as a trusted legal advisor to a dynamic and growing business platform. You enable strategic execution by delivering pragmatic, risk-aware legal guidance for the US Global Transaction Banking business, other CIB business units and Legal firmwide legal projects and initiatives as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive legal support to Santander CIB U.S. Global Transaction Banking businesses.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal documentation related to letters of credit, trade loans, receivables finance, supply chain finance, structured trade, and credit risk insurance, and cash management.
• Deliver legal guidance to management and business lines on complex issues, including regulatory requirements and legal risks.
• Partner with Risk, Compliance, Operations, and internal stakeholders to mitigate risk and ensure adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee and manage engagement with external counsel to ensure high-quality legal support and cost-effective outcomes.
• Interpret and advise on relevant laws, regulations, policies, and governance standards impacting Global Transaction Banking activities.
• Monitor legal, policy, and legislative developments, conduct research and analysis, and translate findings into actionable business guidance.
• Act as a subject matter expert providing mentorship, technical leadership, and support for cross-functional initiatives, including broader Santander CIB projects.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution – Required.
• 4+ years practicing law in financial services, bank, or law firm – Required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting trade finance and working capital products, including letters of credit, trade loans, receivables finance, supply chain finance, structured trade, and credit risk insurance – Required.
• Proven knowledge of cash management solutions and banking operations – Required.

Skills

• Expertise in trade finance, working capital products, and cash management legal frameworks.
• Strong legal drafting, contract negotiation, and documentation review capabilities.
• Knowledge of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and governance standards.
• Ability to analyze complex legal, regulatory, and policy developments and translate into business insights.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills for resolving complex legal issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings.
• Effective stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.
• Ability to build trust, influence decision-making, and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Ledership skills with the ability to mentor, guide, and support team development.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities.

What You Bring

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution – Required.
• Professional Experience: 4+ years practicing law in financial services, bank, or law firm – Required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting trade finance and working capital products, including letters of credit, trade loans, receivables finance, supply chain finance, structured trade, and credit risk insurance – Required.
• Proven knowledge of cash management solutions and banking operations – Required.

It Would Be Nice For You To Have

• Established work history or equivalent demonstrated through a combination of work experience, training, military service, or education.

What Else You Need To Know

• The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range.
• For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week.
• The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.
• Minimum Base Pay Range: $195,000.00 USD
• Maximum: $255,000.00 USD

Santander Benefits

We Value Your Impact
Your contribution matters and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future.

Risk Culture

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.