If you are a motivated and capable individual, this is not the place to be - Associate Santander Employee Review

2.0
Sep 24, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Easy life style. Above average compensation for the amount of contribution required/expected Strong international network

Cons

Weak leadership. Most of the sr. mgmt operates from a fantasy island high above the clouds. Completely disconnected from reality. The explanations and proposed solutions to most problems are usually a call for increase in headcount. "More hands on deck" Weak wholesale banking risk mgmt team. No risk (or business for that matter) is good risk. HR recruiting is completely worthless Clear culture clash between the Americans and the Spaniards. Very apparent in the cliques formed Lack of standardized and enforceable controls blatant in many areas of the bank. IT/manufacturing functions hold the bank by its balls. No one wants to admit it. Unqualified employees are rampant. Nepotism is very rampant. Every new hire you can't help to ask "who's your daddy and what does he do?" 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people within most groups, while compensation is not very correlated. Career development weighs heavily on political relationships rather than merit. Employee satisfaction is at a all time low across the bank. Incentive models designed are flawed. Inability to attract and retain talent & bleedingly high turnover rate in key areas of the bank.

Explore other reviews about Santander

5.0
Mar 5, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Bonus based on performance. The company always put on events for the employees. Great work environment

Cons

Work long days. And sometimes weekends. Not much room for growth

4.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Of all the companies I have worked for, Santander has had the strongest training program. The training was comprehensive, well-structured, and especially valuable for employees who are new to the banking industry. Additionally, Santander's ONE software is by far the most intuitive and user friendly banking platform I have used, making it easy to learn and navigate while supporting efficient daily operations.

Cons

Like most retail banking roles, there is a strong sales component. With fewer customers visiting branches due to online banking and ATMs, much of the day is spent making outbound calls to existing clients, trying to set appointments, and push products and services. While I understand the importance of sales in the industry, I personally felt there was significant pressure to prioritize sales goals over relationship building and client service, which I was not comfortable with.

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