CEO - West Midlands Credit Union

CEO role for one of the largest and most progressive Credit Unions in Ireland. Based in Tuam or Athlone, the position would suit a dynamic leader with extensive financial services experience.

West Midlands Credit Union Limited (www.wmcu.ie) is one of Ireland's largest Credit Unions serving 80,000 Members from twelve offices in communities in Counties Galway, Westmeath and Roscommon. The Credit Union has almost 100 employees and manages assets of €500m. The vacancy arises due to the impending retirement of the current CEO. The position will be located in Tuam or Athlone.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the main responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are to:

• Lead and support the Board of Directors and Management Team to devise and implement the long-term strategy appropriate to the growth and development of the Credit Union.
• Oversee the implementation of the Strategic Plan and report on progress to the Board on an ongoing basis.
• Implement and maintain ‘best practice’ governance standards and appropriate policies, procedures, systems and internal controls, in line with the decisions of the Board of Directors and changes to the regulatory environment.
• Monitor the competitive environment and advise the Board of Directors of changes to products and services to Credit Union Members, including digital and online services.
• Strengthen Member focus and Credit Union ethos.
• Report monthly to the Board of Directors on the financial position and performance of the Credit Union.
• Appoint, lead and motivate the Management Team and other Credit Union employees.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations, compliance and performance of the Credit Union, including the key functions of finance, marketing, lending, credit control, IT, risk management and compliance.
• Represent the Credit Union with service providers, regulatory authorities, industry bodies and other Credit Unions.

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum of ten years’ experience working at a senior level in the financial services industry, preferably in a Credit Union or retail financial institution.
• A third level business degree and/or relevant professional qualification.
• A strong financial services background with a forward-looking and growth-oriented mindset.
• High Member focus with an emphasis on service delivery and business growth.
• Exceptional people management and motivational skills.
• Demonstrated capabilities in change management, business improvements and organisation development.
• A detailed knowledge and understanding of Credit Unions, their operating principles and ethos.
• Very strong financial and IT skills, including experience in technology deployment.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ability to organise effectively, delegate responsibility, solve problems quickly and communicate clearly.
• Leadership skills and the ability to manage stakeholder, Member and third-party relationships.
• Ability to work on their own initiative and lead others to achieve agreed objectives.

The position of CEO is a Pre-approved Controlled Function (PCF) subject to the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness & Probity Standards.

Salary will be highly competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

West Midlands Credit UnionLimited is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Applicants will be shortlisted for interview. Canvassing will disqualify.

West Midlands Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.