CIB Securitization Senior Legal Counsel, Executive Director

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:

The Securitization Senior Legal Counsel – Executive Director serves as senior individual contributor counsel responsible for performing substantive and procedural legal tasks requiring in-depth knowledge of securitization and structured finance. Working alongside two other counsels supporting the Securitized Products Group, the role personally owns the day-to-day negotiating and drafting of deal documentation and works directly with the business in the delivery of corporate and legal services to the organization.

• Serve as lead counsel and primary day-to-day point of contact providing legal coverage to Santander’s Corporate and Investment Banking (“CIB”) Securitized Products Group on their banking, lending and capital markets transactions involving a broad range of asset classes and products (including RMBS, CMBS, ABS and CLOs). Knowledge of residential whole loan trading and/or commercial real estate (CRE) is a plus.
• Personally lead the negotiation and drafting of deal documents related to financing and securitization transactions, exercising independent judgment on complex, novel, or high-risk structuring and documentation issues.
• Such documents include, but are not limited to, loan agreements, repo agreements,  offering documents (private placements, exempted, or publicly registered U.S. securities offerings), underwriting/placement agreements, term sheets, commitment letters, engagement letters, confidentiality agreements, and form legal documents.
• Work directly with senior business stakeholders to advise Santander’s CIB on its growing Securitized Products business, including in its role as underwriter, structurer, arranger, book runner and placement agent of securities in public and private offerings.
• Monitor developments and advise the business directly on the practical and transactional implications of applicable (with focus on structured products) U.S. securities laws (such as the ‘33 Act and the ‘34 Act), U.S. banking law matters, and other applicable state and federal laws relating to lending, securities offerings and advisory services.
• Independently handle the full range of coverage matters and flexibly support adjacent business lines as a senior legal resource.

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.

• J.D. Degree: Admitted to practice in and member of the bar in good standing in the state in which the candidate will practice.
• At least 8–12 years of relevant securitization and/or structured products experience at a law firm and/or in-house at a financial services firm, with a demonstrated track record of personally leading the negotiation and drafting on complex transactions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with initiative and excellent anticipation skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and handle multiple tasks under a tight deadline.
• Excellent judgment; independent thinker and resourceful, with demonstrated ability to manage the most complex and novel matters autonomously and set the legal position on precedent-setting issues without escalation.
• NYC based preferred.

Certifications:

• No Certifications listed for this job.

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:

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.