We are seeking a strategic, results-driven leader to serve as the Director of Core & Data Services. This senior-level role is responsible for optimizing and overseeing the organization’s core system platform and operations data governance strategy, as outlined by our corporate data governance policy. The successful candidate will champion automation, data integrity, and system efficiency, driving initiatives that improve operational performance across the business. The role requires strong collaboration with IT Application Support, Data & Analytics, Business Lines, Project Management, and external vendors. This individual will lead core system enhancements, data quality initiatives, and strategic projects, including M&A system conversions, product builds, and software rollouts.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Information Systems, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in core systems strategy, enterprise data governance, or business systems leadership.
• Experience with core banking systems (e.g., Fiserv, Jack Henry, FIS).
• Background in M&A due diligence or post-merger integration.
• Experience in a financial services, technology, or operations-heavy environment preferred.

SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of enterprise systems, data management, automation, and platform integrations.
• Proven success leading strategic, cross-functional projects and system conversions.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Expertise in system governance, compliance controls, and process improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Familiarity with business intelligence tools and reporting (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
  First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT

HP123

• Lead the operational strategic management and optimization of the organization’s core platform.
• Oversee the execution of system parameter changes, specification oversight, rate changes, and product configurations.
• Serve as the business lead for strategic initiatives including M&A system conversions, new product implementations, and enterprise upgrades.
• Manage and prioritize core system enhancements and software rollouts in alignment with business strategy and in partnership with business line leads and the application support team. Including but not limited to:
• Building test and execution plans
• Managing issues/defects
• Managing regulatory requirement and changes
• Managing the test bank
• Own the core system operations data governance efforts, as directed by the IT data governance team; establish policies and controls for data quality, cleanliness, and duplication prevention.
• Partner with Data and IT teams to enable automation, integration, and efficiency across platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement in Customer Information File (CIF) updates and other data quality practices. Specifically for CIF:
• Analyze CIF data for anomalies, duplicates, and compliance gaps
• Coordinate cleanup projects and data migration efforts including CIF scrub projects
• Provide guidance on best practices for CIF management and data governance as it pertains to CIF across product applications
• Oversee annual CIF purge and end of year processes to ensure data quality
• Act as liaison between business units, IT, and external vendors for all core platform and data initiatives.
• Collaborate with IT on core release reviews, system upgrades, and disaster recovery (DR) testing.
• Serve as the business analyst and report writer for enterprise reporting for loans, deposits, and business line performance.
• Lead cross-functional teams on complex, enterprise-wide projects including M&A conversions, core enhancements and strategic business line projects.
• Ensure system changes are implemented with proper oversight, controls, documentation, and testing.
• Oversee change management processes to minimize risk and ensure smooth transitions during system or data updates.