Business Manager Review

I am a product owner- business manager in the Learning and Development team responsible for the successful delivery of multiple products both within the learning space and for the rest of the bank. I work with multiple business stakeholders and manage a number of Emerging Talent programmes: such as the finance programme and Level 3 Retail. I am also a HR CIPD Level 5 apprentice.

I am learning the theory behind my day to day role and am finding it useful to understand the foundations of HR which is helping me give more context to my business conversations. I am also developing existing skills such as listening and negotiating as well as building confidence and influencing skills.

I am enjoying the learning and being challenged throughout my level 5 programme. I would say that being at manager level and doing an apprenticeship programme is sometimes challenging to ensure I am fully taking advantage of being an apprentice and allocating the time to complete my studies and pass exams.

The programme is well structured and we have clear study planners which helps me understand the types of projects I should be involved in. For example my next module is Employee Relations and I can plan ahead to ensure I am involved in a Employee Relations project to help me gain deeper understanding.

Santander is very supportive and has given me to time I need as well as opportunity to shadow other HR colleagues and ask questions to the right people. I am given the opportunity to attend useful course and external meetings that help me grow my networks and challenge myself outside of Santander.

BPP are always on hand to pick up any queries and answer any questions. They are prompt to our monthly review calls and have a good relationship with myself and my manager to ensure I am fully supported. The VLE and One File programmes help me stay up to date.

I am very passionate about obtaining my level 5 qualification to ensure I am seen as a well rounded and qualified professional. My long term ambition is to gain a Business Partnering role and getting this qualification will help me to secure this qualification and be recognised by the business.

There are a number of social activities that Santander supports and arranges. Large induction events for networking and support with interests- for example I am currently attending a sign language course at Santander to support a member of my family. I also am given the great privilege of attending a number of speaking events and school events to share my experiences on my Apprenticeship programme with others.

Yes

Santander is a great employer, they are passionate and proud to support Apprentices and give me to time and space to develop. I am rewarded well and have a number of benefits given to me as part of my employment and am supported to challenge myself within Santander and outside of the company.

I would say to be confident and to show off your potential. Santander looks for your natural behaviours and is more passionate about bringing in people who will challenge the norm and embrace change as opposed to people with the correct and highest grades. Santander will support you in your journey and give you the confidence you need to be your best self.