Head of Core Banking
Contract Length: 6 months
Rate: Up to £900 per day (Umbrella)
IR35 Status: Inside
Overview
An established public‑sector organisation is seeking a highly experienced Head of Core Banking to act as the internal expert for its core banking estate, with a particular focus on Sopra Banking Software (SBS/SOPRA).
This role has become business‑critical following the departure of the organisation’s former Head Architect. You will bridge a key knowledge gap while providing strategic technical leadership across core banking, integration, and modernisation initiatives.
You will work within the Core Banking & Payments Workstream, collaborating closely with Enterprise Architecture, external technology partners, and internal delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities
Core Banking SME Leadership
* Serve as the organisation’s primary subject-matter expert for core banking, with strong emphasis on SBS/SOPRA.
* Review, challenge, and steer decisions relating to the core banking platform.
* Act as the internal “voice of SBS/SOPRA” to ensure alignment between business needs and platform capability.
Technical & Architectural Governance
* Provide architectural oversight across all core banking components and integrations.
* Evaluate and challenge proposals from vendors and delivery partners.
* Ensure rigorous commercial and technical scrutiny of all changes, enhancements, and product implementations.
Configuration & Product Expertise
* Configure, optimise, and support the banking engine in line with best practice.
* Maintain deep understanding of the organisation’s core products and operational processes.
Modernisation & Transformation
* Lead digital, cloud, and AI‑driven integration strategies within the core banking estate.
* Support the organisation’s long‑term transformation roadmap.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Extensive hands‑on experience with core banking platforms, ideally SBS/SOPRA.
* 10+ years in banking architecture, core banking engineering, or solutions architecture.
* Proven ability to influence and challenge internal stakeholders and third‑party suppliers.
* Strong technical understanding of banking products, processes, and regulatory expectations.
* Demonstrable experience delivering complex core banking integrations.
* Exposure to FinTech, digital banking, or modern cloud‑enabled financial environments.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced Core Banking specialist with deep Sopra expertise and are available for a high‑profile contract role, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and availability to be considered