Performance & Talent SpecialistCountry: Portugal
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Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a high-impact global brand into a technology-driven organization — and our people are at the heart of this journey.
Together, we are leading a customer-centric transformation that values critical thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what is possible.
This is more than a strategic shift. It is an opportunity for driven individuals to grow, learn, and make a real impact.
Our mission is to help more people and businesses prosper. We have embraced a strong risk culture, and all our people, at every level, play an active and responsible role in risk management.
At Santander, we believe business growth starts with people. We are looking for a Performance Specialist to join the Talent & Employee Experience team, playing a central role in coordinating and evolving the organization’s Performance processes.
This role will be part of the Development Center of Excellence, working closely with both local and global teams to support the implementation of the global talent and performance strategy in Portugal.
We are looking for someone with strong execution capabilities, structured thinking, and the ability to navigate complex corporate environments, ensuring a consistent, efficient, and business-aligned performance experience across the organization.
Your challenge
You will play a key role in managing the annual performance cycle, ensuring end-to-end coordination of all stages of the process — from planning and governance to KPI tracking, calibration sessions, and stakeholder support.
You will also be part of a global community of Performance specialists, participating in forums and regular meetings with international teams to align on strategy, share best practices, and support the local implementation of global initiatives.
In parallel, you will have the opportunity to contribute to cross-functional Talent & Culture projects, organizational transformation initiatives, and continuous improvement of HR processes.
Key responsibilities
Coordinate the annual performance cycle end-to-end
Ensure timelines, governance, and execution quality are effectively managed
Support managers, HRBPs, and stakeholders throughout the different phases of the process
Coordinate calibration and alignment sessions across business areas
Monitor KPIs and performance metrics
Ensure consistency and data quality across HR platforms
Collaborate with global Performance Center of Excellence teams in implementing processes, frameworks, and strategic initiatives
Adapt global guidelines to the local reality, ensuring organizational alignment and compliance
Talent & Culture
Participate in talent review and succession processes
Support cross-functional People & Culture projects
Contribute to transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
Produce analysis and insights related to talent, performance, and engagement
Support decision-making through reporting and data analysis
What we are looking for
4 to 6 years of experience in Talent Management, Performance, HR Projects, HR Transformation, or similar areas
Experience in project management and coordination of multiple stakeholders
Strong organizational skills, planning capabilities, and attention to detail
Strong execution mindset and continuous improvement orientation
Good analytical skills and confidence working with data to support decision-making
Ability to work effectively in dynamic, international, and matrix environments
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Autonomy, proactivity, and strong sense of ownership
Fluency in English
Nice to have
Experience managing performance cycles
Experience with Workday or other HR platforms
Previous experience in international corporate environments
Participation in HR transformation projects
Knowledge of Power BI, reporting, or analytics
What we offer
The opportunity to join a strategic People & Culture team
Exposure to global projects and close collaboration with international teams
Active participation in organizational transformation initiatives
A collaborative, dynamic, and innovation-driven environment
Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT
Your contribution matters and will be recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive compensation package that reflects the impact you create and the value you bring.
But we know rewards go far beyond numbers.
We offer more than just a salary. Our benefits are designed to support your life, your goals, and your well-being — now and in the future.
Your health is our priority. Through BeHealthy, our global well-being program, we promote holistic well-being.
We know family matters. That’s why we offer parental leave, childcare support, and programs tailored to every stage of life.
We empower our teams through global opportunities and diverse career paths.
We believe in the power of giving back. You can dedicate part of your working time to volunteering activities.
We are here to keep you motivated, help you achieve your goals, and celebrate your progress every step of the way.
LOCAL COMPLIANCE
Santander is proud to be an equal opportunity organization, regardless of age, gender, disability, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for everyone.
WHAT’S NEXT
If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, apply now.

Banco Santander (SAN SM, STD US, BNC LN) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. In the first quarter of 2024, Banco Santander had €1.3 trillion in total funds, 166 million customers, 8,400 branches and 211,000 employees.