Loans Officer - South Dublin Credit Union

Credit Union; Blackrock; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dublin Credit Union in Stillorgan is seeking a Loans Officer or Senior Loans Officer with 3–5 years lending experience to join the Head of Lending team. The role covers end-to-end assessment, affordability, and compliance across personal, home improvement, education and mortgage lending.

The successful candidate will work within delegated authority, help shape the new mortgage lending service, and deliver accurate lending decisions with strong member service.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 to 5 years' lending experience within a Credit Union or regulated financial services environment.
• APA Loans, QFA or another qualification that satisfies Minimum Competency requirements.
• Experience in assessing personal, housing, business or other complex lending applications is advantageous.
• Strong analytical, financial assessment and credit evaluation skills with sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end lending processes across personal, home improvement, education and mortgage lending within delegated authority.
• Conduct affordability assessments and gather documentation for loan applications.
• Interview members and prepare comprehensive credit assessments.
• Assess applications in line with credit policy and regulatory requirements.
• Make lending decisions within discretion and prepare referrals for higher authority.
• Ensure accurate lending records and compliance with audit standards.
• Support lending growth objectives and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial assessment

Credit evaluation

Interpersonal skills

Education

APA Loans

QFA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Loans Officer/Senior Loans Officer

Location: 63-65 Lower Kilmacud Rd, Stillorgan.

Position Type: Permanent Full time (34 hours per week)

Salary: Negotiable DOE

Closing Date: Thursday 15 th October 2026

About Us

South Dublin Credit Union is a member-focused community Credit Union committed to providing excellent financial services to our members. We are currently seeking an seeking an experienced, professional and member-focused Loans Officer (or Senior Loans Officer depending on experience) to support the delivery of a high-quality, compliant and efficient lending service. We are seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic, and team-oriented individual to join our team. South Dublin Credit Union is embarking on an exciting new phase of growth with the introduction of mortgage lending. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a key role in supporting and shaping this new service offering from its launch.

Reports To

Head of Lending

Role Summary

The Loans Officer/Senior Loans is responsible for assessing and processing loan applications, making lending decisions within delegated authority and presenting recommendations on applications outside that authority. The role requires sound judgement, thorough financial analysis and a consistent focus on responsible lending, member service and regulatory compliance. The role holder will manage lending cases, support colleagues with lending queries and contribute to the ongoing development of lending standards, processes and portfolio quality. The Loans Officer will work closely with the Head of Lending and other relevant colleagues to support the achievement of lending objectives while safeguarding the interests of members and the Credit Union. Depending on experience the role may be offered as a Senior Loans Officer or as a Loans Officer with a view to development towards a Senior Loans Officer.

This is a permanent full-time role working 34 hours per week. Our current office hours are 8.30am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

Complete the end-to-end lending process across the full range of South Dublin Credit Union loan products, including personal, home improvement, education and green within lending authority.

Support members through the mortgage application process, including conducting affordability assessments, gathering and reviewing supporting documentation, liaising with relevant third parties and providing guidance throughout the application journey in accordance with the Credit Union's Housing Loan Policy and regulatory requirements.

Conduct detailed loan interviews with members and gather all information and supporting documentation required to complete a comprehensive credit assessment.

Assess loan applications in line with the Credit Union's Credit Policy, responsible lending principles and delegated lending authority framework.

Analyse members' repayment capacity, financial circumstances, credit history, indebtedness and overall risk profile to support sound lending decisions.

Make lending decisions within approved discretion limits and prepare recommendations for applications requiring referral to a higher lending authority.

Build positive, professional and proactive relationships with members while delivering a high standard of member service.

Ensure all lending documentation and records are maintained accurately and to a high audit and regulatory standard.

Complete all required creditworthiness, affordability, identity verification and regulatory checks in accordance with policy and legislative requirements.

Support the achievement of lending growth objectives by promoting the Credit Union's lending products and services in a responsible and member-focused manner.

Assist with lending projects, process improvements, quality assurance reviews and the ongoing development of lending practices within South Dublin Credit Union.

Other Responsibilities

Participate in staff training and professional development activities.

Attend team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Maintain confidentiality in relation to member and organisational information.

Undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to the role as assigned by the Head of Lending.

Person Specification

The Successful Candidate Should Have:

A minimum of 3 to 5 years' lending experience within a Credit Union, banking or other regulated financial services environment.

APA Loans, QFA or another qualification that satisfies the Minimum Competency requirements applicable to the role.

Experience in assessing personal, housing, business or other complex lending applications would be advantageous.

Strong analytical, financial assessment and credit evaluation skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgement when making lending decisions.

A thorough understanding of responsible lending principles, affordability assessment and consumer protection requirements.

Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills with a strong focus on member service.

Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear and concise lending recommendations and reports.

High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and organisational capability.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience using lending or financial services systems.

The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and contribute positively as part of a team.

A commitment to maintaining professional standards, regulatory compliance and continuous professional development.

Key Performance Measures

Consistency of implementation of Credit Union policies and procedures

Quality of lending decisions made

Quality of service delivery to members by self and by Loans Officers

Contribution to the risk-managed growth of the loan portfolio

Contribution to development of staff

Contribution to improvement of loan portfolio quality and risk profile

Contribution to development and improvement of service delivery for members

Quality of reports, advice and support provided to the board and its sub-committees

Quality of reports, advice and support provided to the Head of Lending and colleagues on the management team

Contribution to team performance through co-operation with colleagues at all levels

Personal conduct as a role model and leader, demonstrating the highest standards of professionalism, behaviour, ethical management, integrity and honesty.

Positive feedback from members, colleagues and management.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package based on qualifications and experience, along with a supportive work environment and opportunities for further development and training.

South Dublin Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer.

www.southdublincu.ie