Company DescriptionWith over €150m in assets and more than 33,000 members, St. Columba's Credit Union is one of the largest in Galway. We have taken pride in serving our members and supporting our community for over 60 years. Owing to the forthcoming retirement of our CEO the opportunity has arisen for a new leader to continue the journey and ensure that we keep delivering on our strategic, business and service quality goals.Role DescriptionReporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will deliver the transformational change envisaged in the current strategic plan and support the board in implementing and evolving its long term strategic vision. The CEO will be responsible for the implementation of policies, management of operations, risk management, compliance, performance and day-to-day running of the credit union, ensuring it operates to the highest standards of compliance with regulatory requirements and in keeping with the ethos and philosophy of the co-operative movement.Key responsibilitiesProvide outstanding leadership in achieving the credit union's strategic goals while supporting our values and maintaining our member focused ethos.Develop and present strategic and annual business plans and budgets to the Board for consideration and approval.Implement the strategies agreed by the Board of Directors as set out in the Strategic Plan and report to the Board periodically on progress towards goals and objectives.Devise strategies to address and anticipate members' needs and to develop, innovate and continuously improve the products, services and delivery channels offered.Implement and maintain effective organisational structures that support communication and team effectiveness and enable individuals at all levels to maximise their contribution to the credit union's success.Continuously support and communicate effectively with the Board and its sub-committees.Ensure that robust systems and standards of financial accounting and risk management are in place to assure the financial soundness and the integrity of the Credit Union.Ensure a risk management culture is embedded throughout the credit union. Manage operational and other risks through the implementation of appropriate policies, systems, procedures, and internal and financial controls.Devise and implement appropriate operational resilience measures.Strengthen the credit union's ESG credentials and performance.Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations and governance requirements; report to and liaise with the Central Bank and other competent authorities as required.Exercise oversight of the membership, credit, investment, finance, asset-liability management and other key functions to ensure best practice.Prepare and submit reports and returns as required by auditors, the Central Bank and other bodies.Achieve membership and business growth through appropriate marketing initiatives.Review and analyse monthly management accounts, statistics, KPIs and financial projections and provide sound analysis, advice and recommendations.Review and analyse quarterly Central Bank Regulatory Prudential Reports, annual accounts and returns, and other ad-hoc regulatory reporting requirements.Devise strategies to further develop stakeholder and other third-party relationships and shared service opportunities.Manage key external relationships and represent St. Columba's with regulatory authorities, service providers, industry bodies, other credit unions and our local community.Competencies requiredThe ideal person will have a proven track record of success in a similar or comparable role and a minimum of ten years relevant experience, with at least five at management team level. S/he will bring energy and drive to the role, with a positive and supportive attitude to change management and superior communication and team-building skills. A thorough understanding of relevant legislation would be an advantage.S/he will have:A degree or equivalent professional qualification in business, risk, finance, accounting or another relevant field plus a technical qualification(s) that satisfies MCC requirements.Strong understanding of and commitment to the co-operative principles and the credit union ethosFinancial skills and business acumen as evidenced by demonstrated capabilities in business growth, improvement and change management.A growth-oriented mindset balanced with keen insight into risk identification and mitigation.Proven achievement in individual, team and organisation level performance management and development.IT and operating systems knowledge including a strong understanding of the key contributors to operational resilience.360 o relationship building and management skills to encompass working with the board of directors, the staff team, outsourced service providers, our members and the external authorities; excellent oral and written communications skills.The energy and commitment needed to ensure that St. Columba's keeps progressing and innovating in pursuit of its long term goals.The integrity, competence and personal financial soundness essential for this senior role, which is subject to pre-approval by the Central Bank under the Fitness and Probity regime.How to apply:Please apply by email to by Monday the 26thof January 2026, providing a detailed CV and a supporting letter that sets out your suitability for this role.Salary will be highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Short listing will apply and assessment will be based on information provided in the application. St. Columba's Credit Union is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion as core values.St. Columba's Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.For an informal confidential discussion about this role, please contact Carmel Motherway on