LOANS OFFICER – Gateway Credit Union
Personal Lending | Mortgages | SME & Business Lending
Location: Gort, Co. Galway.
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent.
Salary: Competitive.

Gateway Credit Union is a progressive financial services provider with over 25,000 members and total assets of over €189 million. Our offices are based on the main streets in the heart of the communities in Ballinasloe and Gort. Our core value is to promote the financial well-being of our members, while at the same time helping to develop healthy communities that are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. To achieve this purpose, the Credit Union is committed to providing a broad range of innovative financial products and services.

About the Opportunity

Gateway Credit Union are looking for an experienced, ambitious and member-focused Loans Officer to join our Lending Team and play a key role in the continued growth and development of our Credit Union.

This is an exciting opportunity for a lending professional who wants to move beyond traditional personal lending and play a broader role across personal loans, mortgages, SME/business lending and community lending.

As a key member of the Lending Team, you will be responsible for preparing and assessing loan applications in line with lending policies and procedures.

You will combine strong credit judgement and underwriting expertise with excellent relationship-building skills, helping members and local businesses achieve their financial goals while ensuring responsible lending and sound credit risk management.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

  • Act as a key point of contact for members across the full lending journey.
  • Assess and process personal, mortgage, SME/business and community lending applications in accordance with the Credit Union's lending policies and delegated authority.
  • Provide professional guidance to members, identifying appropriate lending solutions based on their individual circumstances and financial needs.
  • Manage applications from initial enquiry through underwriting, approval, documentation and final drawdown.
  • Conduct detailed financial analysis, affordability assessments, credit checks and risk assessments.
  • Prepare clear and robust credit recommendations for consideration where applications fall outside delegated lending authority.
  • Ensure lending decisions are commercially sound, responsible, consistent and aligned with the Credit Union's risk appetite.
  • Support members in understanding the range of lending products available, including personal loans, home improvement loans, vehicle finance, mortgages and SME/business finance.
  • Work closely with colleagues across the Credit Union to deliver a seamless member experience.
  • Maintain accurate and comprehensive lending records and ensure all documentation is complete and compliant.
  • Ensure all lending activity complies with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, Credit Union policies, AML requirements and internal controls.
  • Contribute to lending targets, service standards and strategic business objectives.
  • Support colleagues by sharing lending expertise, knowledge and best practice.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an individual who combines strong lending expertise with excellent interpersonal and commercial skills.

Ideally, you will have:

  • 1+ years’ experience in lending within a Credit Union, bank or other financial services environment desired.
  • Strong personal lending and credit assessment experience.
  • Experience in mortgage lending and/or SME/business lending is highly desirable.
  • Strong underwriting and financial analysis capability.
  • Good understanding of credit risk and responsible lending principles.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
  • A proactive, member-focused and solutions-oriented approach.
  • The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider team.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will ideally hold:

  • APA qualification, with lending-related qualifications appropriate to the role.
  • QFA qualification is highly desirable.
  • A third-level qualification in finance, business or a related discipline would be an advantage, but not essential.
  • We will also consider candidates with strong practical lending experience who are committed to continuing their professional development. The successful candidates will be required to satisfy the Minimum Competency Code requirements as set out by the Central Bank.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a current CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to hr@gatewaycreditunion.ie. Closing date: 31 st August 2026.