Senior Loans Officer

Senior Loans OfficerThe Credit Union has grown strongly over the past number of years, both in the level of activity and in the complexity of its business. We are seeking to recruit an experienced, multi-skilled, hands-on Head of Credit with a proactive nature to join our Management Team and assist in the further development of our business.The Role:Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Credit is a key member of the Management Team and plays a crucial role in the operation and development of the lending function within the Credit Union. The Head of Credit has direct responsibility for the overall management of the lending department, loan book growth, meeting lending targets and fostering a culture of exceptional service to members while promoting responsible lending practices.The Head of Credit will safeguard the strong asset quality in the Credit Union’s existing and future loan book. This will involve the continual development and implementation of loan assessment procedures and practices to support credit underwriting decisions. The Head of Credit will assess and approve loans within limits set by the Credit Union and ensure that the lending function operates within the risk tolerance and appetite as set out in the Credit Union’s credit and risk management policies. The role will also involve managing key operational processes and procedures, drafting processes and procedures and improving the overall operational effectiveness of the department.Key responsibilities:• Provide strong and proactive management of the lending department.• Ensure the lending department delivers a high-quality service in an effective and efficient manner.• Build and maintain a strong lending team through effective recruiting, training, coaching, mentoring and team building.• Design, implement and monitor activities within the lending department.• Manage the overall loan portfolio, including personal loans, business loans and other lending products.• Monitor the portfolio's performance, credit quality, and risk exposure, and take appropriate actions to ensure its stability and value.• Assess and underwrite loan applications including analysis of financial accounts and business plans where appropriate.• Interview members in relation to their loan applications and borrowing capacity.• Assist with the restructuring and refinancing of stressed loans, including negotiations with financial and legal advisers.• Review and recommend changes to credit policies and procedures.• Operate within agreed lending policies, limits, and other criteria.• Ensure compliance with relevant financial services legislation and regulation.• Identify, evaluate and recommend new lending opportunities in a manner that is consistent with the Credit Unions’ strategic and risk management objectives.• Provide an effective and efficient approach to the business, looking for opportunities to deliver improvements and process enhancements.• Act as a sounding board for team members and be available to answer more complex queries from staff members.• Ensure that service delivery expectations are achieved, and commitments are delivered.• Provide support and regular reports to the CEO, other members of the Management Team, the Credit Committee, and the Board of Directors on lending activities.The successful candidate would preferably have the following: • A minimum of five years relevant lending and underwriting experience in personal loans, mortgages, lending to self-employed individuals and small and medium sized enterprises.• A degree in Finance, Business, or a related discipline.• A minimum of a QFA qualification.• Ability to assess, critically evaluate and interpret complex information and to identify key credit risk drivers.• Excellent people management skills with the ability to lead, moti