General Manager / CEO

CU Recruitment Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused financial institution in Manchester is seeking a General Manager to lead operations and strategic growth. The role involves overseeing marketing, compliance, and partnerships, with strong leadership expectations. Ideal candidates will have senior management experience within a financial institution and a proven track record in business growth strategies. This position offers flexible working and a commitment to community wellbeing.

Benefits

Excellent pension scheme

28 days holiday (rising to 31 after 5 years)

Life insurance

Free town hall parking

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and implement business growth strategies.
• Experience with marketing, business development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to work proactively and independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operational and strategic functions of the credit union.
• Develop, implement and monitor strategic and business plans.
• Ensure compliance with PRA and FCA regulations.

Skills

Senior management experience

Business growth strategies

Marketing experience

Stakeholder engagement

Excellent communication

Job description

Overview

Job Reference Number: CUR0097

General Manager / CEO

Type: Permanent

Location: Denton (Hybrid: 2-3 days working from home per week, with some regional and occasional national travel to conferences and events)

Hours: 36 hours per week: 08:00 Mon-Wed, 08:30 Thu, 08:00 Fri

Salary: £46,142 - £48,226 per annum + membership of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (excellent defined-benefit scheme) + 28 days holiday (rising to 31 after 5 years) + life insurance (multiples of salary) + 3 months full pay & 3 months half pay sick leave + free town hall parking

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and driven General Manager to join a well-established and growing organisation.

Our client is a not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to giving back to the local community by providing ethical financial services to those in need. Established for over 20 years, they serve people who live or work in Tameside and Glossop, including through partnerships with over 35 local employers.

They are looking for a General Manager with senior leadership experience in financial services who can independently shape and lead the organisation\'s strategic growth. This role will involve overseeing operations, marketing, partnerships, compliance, financial planning, and staff leadership. Reporting directly to the Board, the successful candidate will be empowered to develop and execute business plans, build partnerships, and drive long-term impact for the local community.

The ideal candidate would be someone who thrives in a mission-driven leadership role, brings both commercial and ethical awareness, and is ready to take on full strategic responsibility for the growth of the credit union. If this sounds like you and you\'re ready for your next career move, read on to find out more.

The role

Day-to-day responsibilities

• Lead all operational and strategic functions of the credit union
• Develop, implement and monitor strategic and business plans in collaboration with the Board
• Oversee the credit union\'s marketing, growth, and online presence
• Lead and support the staff team, ensuring strong performance and professional development
• Ensure compliance with PRA and FCA regulations, including SMF8 obligations
• Liaise with the Supervisory Committee and ensure effective governance
• Maintain oversight of finances including budgets, loan book, treasury, and grant funding
• Develop partnerships with local employers, councils, and community organisations
• Represent the credit union at sector events and regional networks
• Report to the Board and provide regular performance updates

Why would you want this role?

• Work for a not-for-profit organisation that gives back to its community
• Take full ownership of an organisation\'s strategic direction and growth
• Enjoy excellent pension and sick pay benefits through the public sector pension scheme
• Work flexibly with 2-3 days per week from home
• Lead a values-led organisation that improves financial wellbeing for local people

The Person

Essential

• Senior management experience within a financial institution
• Proven ability to lead and implement business growth strategies
• Experience with marketing, business development, and stakeholder engagement
• Strategic thinker with the ability to work proactively and independently
• Excellent verbal and written communication

Desirable

• Credit Union experience

If you think you could be the right fit for this General Manager role, please submit your application now. The closing date for applications is midnight, Monday 29th September.

PLEASE NOTE: This role will require passing a DBS check and a credit check. The services of CU Recruitment Ltd are those of an Employment Agency. CU Recruitment Ltd regrets to inform you that our client will ONLY accept applications from candidates who have a valid legal permit or right to work in the United Kingdom. Potential candidates who do not have this permit or right, or who are pending an application to obtain this permit or right should not apply.