VP, Senior Legal Counsel - Global Transaction Banking

It Starts Here

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and 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.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

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.

Position Summary

• 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.

What You Bring

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

Languages

• No additional language requirements identified.

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.
• Leadership skills with the ability to mentor, guide, and support team development.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities.

Certifications

Active license to practice law in NY State - 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.

Work Authorization & Sponsorship

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without requiring employer sponsorship to commence employment.

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.

Base Pay Range

Minimum

$195,000.00 USD

Maximum

$255,000.00 USD

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. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

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.

Employer Rights

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time.

This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next

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

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.