Project Lead \- Business Optimization Development Country: Spain **IT'S TIME** Santander ( www.santander.com ) is evolving from a **high-impact global brand** to a **technology-driven organization**, and people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are leading a **customer-centric transformation** that values **disruptive thinking**, the courage to challenge what's possible, and the ability to **innovate**. This is more than a strategic shift: **it's an opportunity to grow, learn, and make a real impact**. Our mission is to help more **people and businesses thrive**. We embrace a strong risk culture and expect all our teams to adopt a proactive and responsible approach to risk management. **Wealth Management \& Insurance** encompasses three businesses across all Santander Group countries: Insurance, Asset Management, and Private Banking. We work to deliver the best solutions to our clients in these three areas across the 10 countries where we operate. **THE IMPACT YOU'LL MAKE** Banco Santander is seeking a Project Lead \- Business Optimization Development based in Madrid. We are redefining how we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration, and the freedom to explore new ideas. In this role, your key responsibilities will include: * Mapping the cost structure within each local S\&I domain, separating and classifying costs associated with the IT \& Ops team, product, and business. * Reviewing current applications (identification, scope, detailed description, justification of utility, stakeholders involved) supporting S\&I activities in each domain, leveraging work already completed by the Global CTO team. * Conducting an in-depth analysis of budget line items in Alexandria and Toledo (project, subproject, tasks), both for RUN and CHANGE, including associated personnel. * Assessing application rationalization, identifying candidates for decommissioning due to efficiencies derived from globalization, defining the decommissioning roadmap, and quantifying associated savings. * Reviewing and rationalizing active contracts with external vendors (e.g., Market Data), including amounts, durations, commitments, and penalties, and defining cancellation plans aligned with the global strategy, with quantified savings. * Identifying and analyzing FTEs associated with the domain, detailing current roles and proposing optimization scenarios (centralization, globalization, or amortization), with detailed country-level execution plans. * Defining the funding model for both decentralized FTEs and adoption of global services and platforms. * Developing and presenting country-specific execution plans, including recommendations, impacts, roadmaps, and quick wins. * Leading change management and alignment with local and global stakeholders, ensuring proper adoption of initiatives. **WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE TEAM** Our people are our greatest strength. Each individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organization. We value who you are and empower what you bring. The following requirements represent the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies for this role. **Professional Experience** * Proven experience leading complex, strategic, and multidisciplinary projects. * Experience in international environments, with offshore teams and matrix structures. **Education** * University degree in Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or related disciplines \-mandatory\-. * Additional training in project management, transformation, or operational efficiency \-mandatory\-. **Languages** * Spanish: native or bilingual level \-mandatory\-. * English: high level (essential for international interaction) \-mandatory\-. **Technical Skills** (Hard skills) * Solid understanding of cost models, budgeting, and financial control \-mandatory\-. * Experience in application rationalization, operational efficiency, and service centralization \-mandatory\-. * Ability to structure complex analyses and translate them into executable plans \-mandatory\-. **WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT** Your contribution matters—and we recognize it. At Santander, you can expect a fair and competitive compensation package reflecting your impact and the value you'll deliver. Take a moment to understand what we mean: * **Limitless growth.** We empower our teams **with global opportunities and broad career paths**, enabling them to go further. * Flexibility that works. Enjoy a **hybrid working model** —some days remote and others in the office with your team—plus flexible hours. * **Continuous learning.** 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 plus a bonus** for your achievements, motivating you to keep growing with us. * **Financial benefits.** Access preferential banking conditions, special interest rates on loans, life insurance, and much more. * **Your health is our priority.** Through **BeHealthy**, our global wellbeing program, we **promote holistic wellbeing**: physical, emotional, social, and financial. * **Family comes first.** We know your family means everything. That’s why we offer childcare support and family programs tailored to every life stage. * **Always by your side.** Access **Santander Contigo**, our employee and family support program offering legal advice, emotional support, and administrative assistance. * **Extra benefits.** Gym/WellHub, medical centers at several of our facilities, meal allowances, parking, shuttle service at various locations across Madrid, plus exclusive discounts and offers for Santander employees. And this is just the beginning… we’ll tell you much more when you join! We’re here to **keep you motivated**, help you **achieve your goals**, and **celebrate your achievements** at every step of the way. **LOCAL COMPLIANCE** Santander takes pride in being an equal opportunity organization regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We are committed to delivering an inclusive and accessible selection process for everyone. **WHAT'S NEXT?** If everything you've just read resonates with you, apply and join our team. **Ready to take the next step?**