CoE / Operating Model Lead

CoE / Operating Model Lead Location: London (3 days onsite, 2 days remote) Rate: £425 per day (Inside IR35) Contract: Initial 3 months, rolling extension potential Sector:

Banking / Insurance We're currently seeking an experienced CoE / Operating Model Lead to support the establishment and maturation of a Data Engineering Centre of Excellence (CoE) within a major Banking/Insurance organisation.

Working closely with the Data Engineering CoE Lead, you will play a key role in defining the strategy, governance, operating model, and technical framework required to drive consistency and best practice across multiple data platforms.

Key Responsibilities Centre of Excellence Setup &amp; Governance Draft and establish the Data Engineering CoE Charter.<br />Define the CoE vision, objectives, and operating model.<br />Develop and maintain the CoE roadmap, ensuring alignment with broader business and technology strategies.<br />Define, implement, and measure governance standards, policies, and success metrics.<br />Establish best practices and adoption frameworks across data engineering teams.Technical Strategy &amp; Frameworks Identify industry-leading frameworks, methodologies, and tooling suitable for the organisation.<br />Run Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to evaluate potential frameworks and technologies.<br />Create implementation roadmaps for approved frameworks and standards.<br />Drive consistency, measurement, and continuous improvement across data engineering practices.Data Platform Alignment Improve alignment between multiple data platforms, including Claims and Enterprise Data environments.<br />Support the creation of a unified operating model across operationally separate data functions.<br />Drive standardisation while recognising the unique requirements of individual business units.<br />Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and governance under a single organisational umbrella.Essential Experience Proven experience establishing or leading a Centre of Excellence (CoE) within a data, technology, or engineering function.<br />Strong experience designing and implementing operating models, governance frameworks, and organisational standards.<br />Background in Data Engineering, Data Platforms, Data Architecture, or Data Management environments.<br />Experience creating roadmaps, charters, and strategic transformation initiatives.<br />Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across both business and technology teams.<br />Previous experience within Banking, Financial Services, or Insurance environments