Managing Director – Motor Finance
FS Recruitment are exclusively recruiting for a Managing Director - Motor Finance on behalf of a well-established finance lender.
This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a growing Motor Finance platform within a respected well established lending organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for building, scaling and leading a multi-product motor finance business with full accountability for strategy, profitability, customer outcomes and operational delivery.
This role will suit a senior commercial leader with deep motor finance or motor expertise who is motivated by growth, innovation and long-term market impact.
The Opportunity
You will lead the creation and expansion of a fully scaled Motor Finance division, supporting dealers, distributors and SME customers nationwide. You will shape the commercial vision, drive origination, develop strategic partnerships and build a high-performing team, while navigating regulatory change and evolving industry trends such as EV transition and digital lending.
This is a leadership role with real influence, ideal for someone who wants to leave a lasting footprint on the Irish motor finance market.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Commercial Leadership
* Define and execute a long-term Motor Finance strategy aligned to the organisation's growth objectives.
* Own full P&L responsibility, including revenue growth, margin management, pricing strategy and cost control.
* Lead the development and rollout of multi-product motor finance offerings across consumer and SME channels.
* Set and deliver ambitious growth targets over a multi-year horizon.
Origination & Market Development
* Drive origination strategy and develop key dealer, distributor and manufacturer partnerships.
* Lead go-to-market, intermediary and pricing strategies to support portfolio scale and sustainability.
* Represent the business across the motor industry, building brand presence and credibility.
* Monitor competitor activity, market trends, EV developments and customer behaviour to inform strategy.
Leadership & Team Development
* Build, lead and develop a high-performing Motor Finance team across business development, operations and support functions.
* Recruit and scale resources in line with the approved business plan.
* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and customer focus.
* Act as a visible leader who sets direction and leads by example.
Operations, Risk & Regulation
* Work closely with Credit, Risk and Compliance to define credit appetite, pricing and regulatory alignment.
* Ensure compliance with Central Bank of Ireland requirements across Consumer Motor Finance products.
* Oversee servicing, arrears and portfolio performance in partnership with Portfolio and Collections teams.
* Support regulatory readiness across Hire Purchase, PCP, Consumer Hire and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Digital & Process Transformation
* Lead the evolution of dealer and distributor channels, including online portals and digital origination tools.
* Drive automation, scalability and efficiency across underwriting, activation and customer servicing.
* Champion continuous improvement across systems, processes and customer journeys.
Ideal Background
* 10–15+ years' senior experience within motor finance or automotive lending.
* Proven track record of building and scaling motor finance or commercial lending platforms.
* Strong commercial origination background with deep dealer, distributor and OEM relationships.
* Expert knowledge of the Irish Consumer Motor Finance market.
* Experience leading teams through growth, change or new business build-outs.
* Strong understanding of regulatory requirements within Irish financial services.
* Commercially astute with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Experience with digital lending platforms or system transformation projects is a strong advantage.
* Knowledge of EV financing models, residual value risk or dealer stocking finance is beneficial.
Regulatory Requirements
This role is subject to the Central Bank of Ireland's Minimum Competency Code, Fitness & Probity standards, and the Individual Accountability Framework. Candidates must meet and maintain all regulatory and professional requirements on an ongoing basis.
Why Consider This Role?
* Senior leadership role with genuine autonomy and influence.
* Opportunity to build and shape a Motor Finance business from a strong platform.
* Long-term strategic focus with clear growth ambition.
* Partner with an established lender committed to supporting Irish businesses.