The Credit Manager leads and directs all global functions involving credit risk assessment, collections, dispute resolution, and cash application. This role is responsible for protecting the company's accounts receivable (AR) assets, optimizing cash flow, and managing risk while strategically partnering with Sales to support business growth.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership, Strategy & Reporting- Department Leadership: Define, implement, and manage the credit department's structure, budget, and strategic objectives.
- Talent Management: Oversee the daily supervision, recruitment, onboarding, training, and continuous performance management of department personnel.
- Performance Metrics: Monitor and report on key metrics, including DSO (Days Sales Outstanding), CEI (Collection Effectiveness Index), aging trends, and bad debt reserves.
- Process Automation: Identify and leverage modern FinTech and credit automation tools to streamline workflows and improve processing efficiency.
- Executive Communication: Keep executive leadership informed of credit risk strategies, portfolio health, and market trends through concise reporting.
Credit Risk & Portfolio Management- Policy Ownership: Own, maintain, and enforce the organization's corporate Credit Policy.
- Credit Evaluation: Oversee the underwriting, approval, and assigning of credit limits for new and existing domestic and international accounts.
- Risk Mitigation: Manage risk-mitigation portfolios, including credit insurance programs, letters of credit, and structured finance solutions.
- Strategic Alignment: Partner closely with Sales leadership (including International Sales) to structure alternative selling terms that balance risk with commercial growth.
- Global Market Intelligence: Assess political, economic, and country-specific risks associated with international customers.
Collections, Disputes & Legal Management- Escalation Management: Intervene in high-risk or sensitive collection issues, serving as the senior point of contact for key accounts.
- Dispute Resolution: Oversee the dispute and deduction resolution process to ensure timely reconciliation of outstanding balances.
- Legal & Bankruptcy Management: Manage legal files, bankruptcies, and third-party collection agencies; direct the efforts of external attorneys in coordination with the CFO.
- Compliance: Maintain all credit, collection, and compliance records in a secure, audited environment.
All other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONSPrimarily office with some domestic travel required for trade shows, sales meetings, credit conferences and customer visits
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES- This person oversees A/R & Deduction Specialist and Credit Analysts.
QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Experience- Education: Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related business field required.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive commercial credit management experience, with extensive exposure to international business-to-business (B2B) credit.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of creditor rights, commercial law, and bankruptcy procedures. Equipment finance understanding is a strong plus.
Technical Skills- Systems: Advanced proficiency with enterprise ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
- FinTech: Proven experience implementing or managing credit and collection automation software (e.g., HighRadius, Quadient, Billtrust).
- Data Analysis: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analytics tools for portfolio modeling and reporting.
Leadership & Soft Skills- Conflict Resolution: Proven ability to navigate high-conflict situations and handle sensitive negotiations with key accounts.
- Strategic Execution: Strong ability to balance day-to-day tactical priorities with long-term strategic goals.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
