• lead by example, fostering a culture of professionalism, honesty, accountability, growth and service excellence across the Credit Union,
• prepare and propose to the Board, for debate, scrutiny and approval, strategies for the strategic plan that support member value, credit union sustainability and long-term success,
• translate the Credit Union’s strategic objectives into clear operational and financial plans that guide daily work,
• enhance the member experience, ensuring members see real benefits through better services, financial returns, and easier access through digital and face-to-face channels,
• lead and develop a high-performing management team and staff, promoting service, accountability, continuous improvement and professional development,
• oversee recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce,
• lead and manage major commercial, regulatory and organisational changes, ensuring that changes are well planned and communicated, effectively implemented, and that they deliver real improvements,
• monitor and report on the Credit Union’s performance against key targets and KPIs to ensure goals are achieved,
• maintain and develop strong governance, ICT, risk management and internal control systems to protect members’ funds and ensure operational resilience,
• lead financial planning and management, including preparing budgets, financial forecasts, and overseeing prudent management of loans, investments, liquidity, and arrears,
• build strong working relationships with members, staff, volunteers, regulators, auditors, service providers, and community partners,
• represent the Credit Union externally at industry, regulatory, and community events,
• support the work of Board Committees and the Board Oversight Committee to help them discharge their responsibilities and
• ensure full compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including but not confined to Central Bank of Ireland regulations, the Credit Union Act 1997 (as amended), and Fitness and Probity Standards.

• a minimum of 10 years’ experience working within a credit union or other regulated financial institution, 5 years of which are at senior management level,
• a third-level business degree or equivalent professional qualification,
• a Qualified Financial Adviser (Q.F.A.) designation,
• proven leadership in managing diverse teams and driving change,
• demonstrable evidence of commercial and financial management success,
• strong knowledge of governance, risk, compliance, operational resilience, and financial management,
• a thorough knowledge of relevant legislation, including Credit Union Acts, Consumer Protection Code, Data Protection and GDPR as well as the Criminal Justice Act – Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing and
• ability to meet all Fitness & Probity standards required for the PCF under the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness & Probity regime.

Competencies and Attributes Required:

The ideal candidate will be:

• a strategic and commercially oriented thinker,
• independent-minded with strong ethical leadership,
• values-driven and aligned with the credit union ethos,
• risk-aware, focused, and results-driven,
• decisive, and a problem solver,
• skilful in analysis, communication and inter-personal skills,
• realistic and ambitious for Affinity Credit Union’s sustainable growth and
• a change leader.