Head of Lending
Nenagh Credit Union
JOB TITLE: Head of Lending
CREDIT UNION: Nenagh Credit Union
REPORTING TO: CEO
Nenagh Credit Union Limited are inviting applications for the position of Head of Lending, on a fulltime, permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity to join a progressive and ambitious Credit Union with over 18,500 members, assets of more than €94 million and a loan book over €35m. The Credit Union has experienced strong growth over the past number of years, and we are seeking to recruit an experienced, proactive, hands-on Head of Lending to join our Management Team and support the further development of our business.
ROLE PURPOSE
The Head of Lending is a key member of the Management Team and plays a crucial role in the ongoing development of the Lending function within the Credit Union. The Head of Lending will have direct responsibility for the overall management of the lending department, loan book growth, meeting lending targets and fostering a culture of exceptional service to members while promoting responsible lending practices.
GENERAL SCOPE OF ROLE:
The Head of Lending will safeguard the strong asset quality in the Credit Union’s existing and future loan book. This will involve the continual development and implementation of loan assessment procedures and practices to support credit underwriting decisions. The Head of Lending will assess and approve loans within limits set by the Credit Union and ensure that the lending function operates in line with our Credit Policies and Procedures and the tolerances set out in our Risk Appetite statement.
The Head of Lending will actively participate in management discussions/meetings and strategic planning to support the ongoing development of the Credit Union.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lending Strategy & Loan Book Growth
Lead and develop the Credit Union’s lending strategy to achieve sustainable loan book growth in line with our Strategic objectives.
Support strategic lending initiatives, including expansion into new lending categories.
Operational Leadership of Lending Department
Manage all day‑to‑day lending operations across in‑branch, online, and phone channels, ensuring efficient workflows and consistent member experience.
Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing, underwriting, approval, and issuing of all loans.
Drafting processes and procedures and improving the overall operational effectiveness of the department.
Lead, coach, and mentor the lending team to achieve high performance, strong underwriting standards, and excellent member service.
Support training and professional development within the lending function.
Credit Assessment, Underwriting & Risk Oversight
Oversee and continually enhance loan assessment procedures to safeguard asset quality and support sound credit decisions.
Conduct loan quality reviews, monitor trends, and implement risk mitigation actions where necessary.
Ensure full compliance with Credit Union Act requirements, MCC standards, consumer credit regulations, and internal risk appetite.
Collaborate with Compliance and Audit functions to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory and governance standards.
Reporting, Monitoring & Performance Management
Prepare lending performance reports, KPIs, arrears analysis, and portfolio insights for the CEO and Board of Directors.
Monitor loan pipelines, turnaround times, team productivity, and service levels.
Collaboration
Work closely with Member Services, Finance, Compliance and Risk to ensure a seamless end‑to‑end member experience.
Engage with external partners that support the delivery of our lending offering.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, or a related discipline.
QFA qualified
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in lending, underwriting, or credit management within a Credit Union or financial institution.
Strong understanding of consumer, mortgage and business lending practices, credit assessment, and regulatory requirements.
Strong leadership capability with experience managing and developing high performing teams.
An understanding of the regulatory environment for credit unions in Ireland.
Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
Strong business acumen with ability to interpret business financial statements and key driver of results
Track record in delivering business growth in a competitive financial services environment.
Proven record in managing credit quality and compliance with policies and procedures.
Excellent analytical, decision‑making, and judgement skills.
Ability to engage positively and effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including staff, management, board members, regulators, and service providers.
Report writing and presentation skills.
High level of organisation, accuracy and attention to detail.
Member‑first mindset with a commitment to responsible lending.
THE BENEFITS:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Our benefits include:
A competitive salary (based on qualification and experience) and a generous pension scheme to ensure our employees have financial security in their retirement.
Educational Financial Support provided to complete additional qualifications relevant to the Credit Union role.
A collaborative and inclusive work environment with regular team-building activities, social events, and opportunities to give back to the community.
THE PROCESS:
Please email your CV with the subject line Head of Lending to: careers@nenaghcu.ie before close of business on Wednesday 09/09/2026.
Short listing may apply, and assessment will be done based on the information provided in the application.
Nenagh Credit Union Limited is an equal opportunities employer.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Nenagh Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Nenagh Credit Union’s Data Privacy Statement can be accessed at: www.nenaghcu.ie
