Lending Manager

JOB TITLE: Lending Manager

CREDIT UNION: Nenagh Credit Union

REPORTING TO: CEO

 

Nenagh Credit Union Limited are inviting applications for the position of Lending Manager, 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 €92 million and a loan book over  €31m. The Credit Union has grown strongly over the past number of years, and we are seeking to recruit an experienced, proactive, hands-on Lending Manager to join our Management Team and support the further development of our business.

 

ROLE PURPOSE

 

The Lending Manager is a key member of the Management Team and plays a crucial role in the operation and development of the Lending function within the Credit Union. The Lending Manager has 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 Lending Manager 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 Lending Manager 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. This role will also involve drafting processes and procedures and improving the overall operational effectiveness of the department and providing leadership guidance, coaching and support to the lending team

The Lending Manager 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 organisational objectives.
  • Support strategic lending initiatives, including expansion into new lending categories a

Operational Leadership of Lending Department

  • Manage all day‑to‑day lending operations across in‑branch, online, and phone channels, ensuring efficient workflows and a consistent member experience.
  • Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing, underwriting, approval, and issuing of all loans.

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.

Policy, Compliance & Process Improvement

  • Maintain and update lending policies, procedures, and operational guidelines to ensure efficiency, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
  • Collaborate with Compliance and Audit functions to ensure ongoing adherence to regulatory and governance standards.

Team Leadership & Development

  • 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.

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.

Product Development & Innovation

  • Participate in the design and rollout of new lending products and services across personal, SME, mortgage, and community lending categories.
  • Contribute to digital transformation initiatives, including improvements to online loan application and decisioning processes.

Collaboration

  • Work closely with Member Services, Finance, Compliance and Risk to ensure a seamless end‑to‑end lending 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 vendors.
  • 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 role in the Credit Union

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 Lending Manager to: careers@nenaghcu.ie before close of business on Friday 17/04/2026.

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