Lending Officer

About Us

Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union is a not for profit, community-based credit union, proudly supporting its 37,000 members across its 11-branch network, located throughout the Limerick and North Kerry region.

Job Purpose

Due to the credit union’s continued growth, we are delighted to invite applications for the role of Lending Officer on a full-time, permanent basis. The position is located in Newcastle West, with requirement to travel to branches on occasion. Applicants should be open to working some Saturdays, as required.

Reporting directly to the Head of Lending, the Lending Officer, working as part of the lending team, will prepare and assess loan applications from members, in line with lending policies, ensuring all legislative and regulatory requirements are adhered to. The Lending Officer will also assist with the growth of the loan book in line with the Lending Strategy and operational business goals.

The role will ensure a high level of loan processing is achieved and exceeded whilst ensuring member satisfaction by delivering a best-in-class standard of service to our members. The Lending Officer will be responsible for promoting services and products that benefit members. The role requires the Lending Officer to have an approachable and professional manner and work effectively to ensure member satisfaction and ultimately member retention and repeat business.

Main Responsibilities

• Participate in the effective and efficient running of the Lending function to ensure a greatly enhanced experience for members.
• Working collaboratively with the Lending Team Lead and Lending Manager, in the collective achievement of the Lending Department’s strategic goals.
• Comply with all lending, legislative and regulatory policies.
• Assess loan applications to determine the ability to repay in accordance with Lending Policy and approve applications that fall within the risk appetite of the credit union.
• Be confident in providing an efficient service to members including liaising with member’s loan applications and credit union queries, in person, by telephone or online.
• Completion of various administrative tasks that constitute a loan application, in a timely manner, ensuring all necessary conditions are complied with prior to loan issue.
• Assist with the assessment of loan applications as an individual and as part of the wider lending team to ensure that the loan approval process is robust.
• Promote loans in line with the Marketing Strategy of the credit union.
• Monitor take-up and report on a weekly basis to the Lending Team Lead.
• Contribute to the success of the department by following up on loan application pipeline.
• Liaise with other team members to recognise lending opportunities and direct these opportunities to the credit union.
• Support the development of the lending function and any other ad hoc duties as directed by the Lending Team Lead or Lending Manager, delivering an excellent member experience by providing an efficient service to members, while adhering to service level standards and compliance.
• Provide exemplary member service to all Cois Sionna Desmond Credit Union members and potential new members.
• Keep up to date on promotional initiatives and new products and services being implemented within the credit union.
• Participate in all process improvement service enhancements.
• Identify opportunities to improve our member’s financial well-being by cross-selling credit union products and services.
• Promote the credit union’s services and products and inform prospective members of the benefits of membership.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively when responding to members in person, on the phone and through email within GDPR guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and concise records in line with relevant data policies and procedures.
• Comply with the Minimum Competency Code (MCC), responsible for maintaining the minimum continuous professional development (CPD) hours required for the role.
• Avail of any credit union training provided, to maintain relevant competency and enable the fulfilment of the role, along with furthering the objectives of the credit union.

Competencies Required

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role in a financial institution, with strong underwriting experience in personal loans.
• Ideally previous experience underwriting mortgages and in business lending.
• Member focused with a proven track record of delivering exemplary customer service.? Ability to digest data, analyse information and relate that to the loan process.
• Proven record in lending quality, and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise and manage workload.
• Strong negotiation skills with ability to identify key risk issues in negotiation of borrowing facilities and to deliver alternative solutions if required.
• Drive and energy, desire to get results, ability to take action, to get things done, having a strong action orientation.
• Flexibility and adaptability to learn and work on different tasks under different situations.
• An ability to work on own initiative and interact as a part of a highly motivated team; friendly and approachable believing in teamwork and collaboration.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong interpersonal skills.
• Exemplary governance and ethics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Drivers licence and own transport to enable interbranch travel.

Qualifications

• A third level qualification in a related field or a professional financial services qualification, such as a QFA, or be actively working towards same.

Job listing expires at 7:00pm on Monday October 20th, 2025