Chief Information Officer (CIO) - West-Midlands Credit Union

Job Title: Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Athlone/Tuam

Job Purpose

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for leading the Credit Union's IT and digital transformation strategy. The CIO will ensure the secure, reliable, and innovative use of technology to support operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, member experience, and future growth. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CIO will shape and deliver the technology roadmap and lead the IT function.

West-Midlands Credit Union are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a robust IT and digital transformation strategy aligned with the Credit Union's strategic plan.
• Provide leadership and vision on innovation, cybersecurity, digital services, and data management.
• Drive efficient Supplier Management across the IT function, fostering collaboration, ensuring accountability and achieving service excellence through clear performance metrics and continuous improvements.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to identify opportunities for technology to enhance member services and operational performance.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Ensure the Credit Union's IT systems, data, and infrastructure are secure and compliant.
• Maintain and update the cybersecurity framework, including policies, risk assessments, incident response, and penetration testing.
• Oversee business continuity and disaster recovery plans and test scenarios regularly.

Infrastructure & Systems Management

• Oversee the performance, reliability, and integration of all core systems, including core banking platforms (Progress), digital channels.
• Ensure effective vendor and contract management with IT providers, software suppliers, and system integrators.
• Evaluate, procure, and manage new systems, upgrades, and software implementations.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) IT and operational risk guidelines, including IT risk assessments, ICT & Security Risk Review templates, and outsourcing rules.
• Support the Risk & Compliance Officers with regulatory reporting and audit requirements.

Data Governance & Innovation

• Lead data strategy initiatives, ensuring quality, accessibility, and protection of member data.
• Drive innovation in digital member services including mobile banking, self-service tools, and automation.
• Promote a data-driven culture within the Credit Union.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop the IT team (internal and outsourced), fostering a high-performance and service-oriented culture.
• Promote staff development and IT literacy across the organisation.
• Build cross-functional collaboration between IT and departments including finance, operations, lending, and member services.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential:
• Bachelor's degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7+ years senior-level IT management experience in a regulated or financial services environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading IT strategy, digital transformation, and cybersecurity programmes.
• Knowledge of CBI ICT regulations, GDPR, outsourcing regulations, and IT governance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, COBIT).
• Desirable:
• Professional certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISA, ITIL, PMP, TOGAF).
• Experience with Irish credit union systems (Progress, CuOnline+, Digital Member Onboarding, CRM platforms).
• Experience leading hybrid infrastructure (cloud/on-prem), outsourced services, or managed IT providers.
• Core Competencies:
• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Strong risk management and cybersecurity awareness.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• High integrity, discretion, and regulatory understanding.
• Strong project management and vendor negotiation skills.

How to Apply

Applications including CV and cover letter by email addressed to:

Applicants should state clearly the reference number WMCUCIO2025

Closing Date for receipt of applications is Friday 21st November 2025

Tuam Headford Athlone (Irishtown) Athlone (Monksland) Castlerea Mountbellew Glenamaddy Dunmore Williamstown Glinsk Abbeyknockmoy Turloughmore Corrandulla Moylough

West-Midlands Credit Union Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Registered Office: Dublin Road, Tuam, Co. Galway, H54 PC04