PurposeThe Head of Lending leads the delivery of efficient, high-quality lending services, overseeing the underwriting, developing systems and processing and approval/referral of member lending requests (including loans, overdrafts, reschedules, mortgages and other credit extensions) in line with the Loans Policy. The role supports robust decision-making, including participation in the Combined Authority for more complex applications, and provides lending support and guidance to the Credit Committee and Board of Directors. The Head of Lending develops and coaches the lending team, drives continuous improvement of procedures and policies, and works to enhance the loan book in line with the Strategic Plan, monitoring and reporting relevant lending KPIs. The role provides insight to the Leadership Team on internal and external lending trends, contributes to wider organisational priorities including risk management, compliance, resilience management and oversight of material suppliers, and undertakes horizon scanning to anticipate changes in the external environment that may impact the organisation.ResponsibilitiesLead and oversee all lending activity, ensuring efficient, compliant, high quality end-to-end underwriting, processing and decision-making.Approve lending within delegated limits and participate in Combined Authority and mortgage approvals (Special Committee) as required.Provide governance support through Credit Committee attendance, presenting applications/appeals/approval reports and providing regular workload and performance updates.Report at least monthly to the COO on team activity, emerging risks and strategic KPI performance; provide statistical updates as required.Maintain and regularly review lending policies and procedures, ensuring regular review and recommending/communicating changes for Senior Management, Credit Committee and Board approval.Align the lending function with strategic objectives, contributing to strategic planning and delivery.Develop and monitor KPIs in conjunction with the COO to track operational and strategic performance.Own and manage lending-related risks, via Risk Control Self Assessments (RCSA) and oversight of relevant material third party supplier contracts, SLAs, and operational resilience.Develop people capability by managing Assistant Lending Managers and delivering training in loan assessment, lending trends and policy changes (at least annually) to staff, volunteers and Directors.Build internal and external stakeholder relationships, including collaboration with Marketing/Business Development on product reviews and new product development, and horizon-scan for regulatory and market/technology changes.Monitor external developments (regulatory, market and technological) to identify risks, opportunities and best practice improvements.Drive continuous improvement, staff development and organisational awareness through training, communication and promotion of efficient, sustainable practices.You will provide day-to-day leadership and coaching to the lending team, setting clear objectives and managing performance for direct reports, with regular two‑way communication and constructive feedback. The role ensures staff are trained and compliant with policies and procedures, supports development planning and mentoring, manages leave resourcing, and escalates people issues to the COO/HR as required.Qualifications/ExperienceQFA (Qualified Financial Advisor) is required.A relevant business degree is an advantage.3+ years of lending management experience with a deep understanding of personal, mortgage and / or commercial lending is required.5+ years of underwriting experience.3+ years in a managerial role where you were managing people.Solid understanding of financial regulations, including credit union regulations.Significant experience in people management, performance management, leadership and experience in managing teams and individuals for high performance and collaborative working.Strong IT Skills.Excellent Member/Customer Service Skills.Excellent administration skills and attention to detail.Strong people leadership, coaching and communication skills, with a customer/member‑first mindset.Highly organised and methodical, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise and deliver to deadlines/targets.Self‑motivated and able to work on own initiative, while collaborating effectively as part of a team.Flexible and adaptable, willing to take on new tasks and projects as the business evolves.Strong professional integrity and discretion; responsible and conscientious in approach.Commitment to operating within the compliance framework and all applicable legislation/regulation, including Health & Safety and risk management requirements.Maintain competence with required systems and products/services and participate in training and workshops as required.Achieve and maintain qualifications under the Central Bank of Ireland Minimum Competency Code (MCC), including meeting ongoing CPD requirements.
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