Head of Banking

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Core Banking to act as the organisation’s internal Subject Matter Expert (SME) for core banking systems, particularly SOPRA/SBS.

This role will bridge a critical knowledge gap and provide technical leadership across core banking architecture, supplier engagement, and integration strategy. You will play a key role in ensuring the platform is scalable, future-ready, and aligned with digital, cloud, and AI transformation goals.

Key Responsibilities

Core Banking Leadership

• Lead, review, and challenge decisions related to the core banking platform, with a focus on SOPRA/SBS.
• Act as the internal “voice” of the platform, aligning business expectations with system capabilities.

Technical & Architectural Governance

• Provide architectural guidance across all core banking components and integrations.
• Evaluate and challenge proposals from third-party vendors and system integrators.
• Ensure both commercial and technical scrutiny of deliverables.

Configuration & Product Expertise

• Configure and optimise the banking engine.
• Maintain strong understanding of banking product functionality and processes.

Modern Architecture & Transformation

• Drive digital, cloud, and AI integration strategies within core banking.
• Promote event-driven architecture and AWS-aligned cloud-native patterns.
• Support large-scale system integrations and legacy system transformation.

Delivery & Governance

• Own end-to-end delivery across build, test, and release cycles.
• Collaborate with architecture, programme, and delivery teams to ensure successful outcomes.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong hands-on experience with core banking platforms, ideally SOPRA/SBS.
• 10+ years of experience in banking architecture, core banking engineering, or solution architecture.
• Proven ability to influence and challenge internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Strong understanding of banking products, systems, and industry standards.
• Experience in core banking implementation and large-scale system integration.
• Exposure to FinTech or modern digital banking environments.
• Hands-on expertise in:
• Event-driven architectures
• Cloud-native integration models (AWS preferred)
• Demonstrated ownership of full lifecycle delivery (build/test/release).
• Experience in legacy system transformation/migration.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in regulated or large-scale enterprise environments.
• Public sector experience (nice to have).
• Relevant certifications in cloud, architecture, or banking platforms.

Key Stakeholders

• Enterprise Architecture teams
• Programme & Project Managers
• System Integrators
• Core Banking & Payments teams
• External vendors and partners

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, delivery-focused environment
• High autonomy with strong expectations for leadership
• Opportunity to shape core banking strategy and transformation