Credit Manager, North America

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the AR, credit and deductions management activities of the US and Canada with the aims of supporting the Company’s growth, minimize the risk and improve DSO and past due metrics. The NA Credit Manager provides leadership in resolving complex transactions and partners with third-party outsourcer. May also perform additional project work to support corporate initiatives or changes to corporate structure such as acquisitions or disposals.

Specific Accountabilities

• Lead the Credit Management and Credit Risk activities and reporting.
• Ensure that Bad Debts provisions are made, that all doubtful debt exposures are recognized in a timely manner and that appropriate supporting documentation is available to substantiate all provisions for audit purposes.
• Lead the Credit Release process and provide support to the outsourcer.
• Together with the Commercial Teams, own and drive working capital initiatives with strong focus on DSO, payment terms and overdue improvement.
• Assist in the management of the annual audit process (internal and external) related to AR and credit management to ensure efficient and timely completion.
• Establish and update credit limits according to the Company’s policy, working with key customer contacts in order to balance the risk while supporting sales objectives.
• Develop strategies and execute critical decisions regarding the initiation, continuation or adjustment of business relationships based on credit analysis and past payment performance, including leading the negotiation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Actively participate in the customers collection process by leading discussions and proposals with the Commercial Teams while taking leadership of overdue/high-risk key accounts and develop action plans.
• Effectively manage queries and customer deductions by identifying, resolving and communicating issues in a clear, concise, accurate and timely manner.
• Standardize, harmonize and simplify procedures and processes in line with the global model.
• Implement process improvements and support system enhancements that improve customer service, efficiency and reduce costs.
• Promote and drive changes to streamline processes and motivate, train and mentor the Team.
• Effectively manage the relationship with the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) provider.
• SAP GRC business role owner and approver for AR, credit and cash.            
• Explore and drive High Radius’ potential and automation capabilities to the highest level.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting / Finance / Business Administration.
• 7+ years credit management experience within an organization of similar size and complexity.
• Proficient in SAP & Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, confident in collaborating and dealing with people at all organizational levels.
• Excellent in partnering with other functions, especially Commercial and Customer Services, and able to influence them.
• Proven experience in managing effectively high volumes and values of customer deductions.
• Previous experience of leading small teams with predisposition of coaching team members when challenges arise.
• Continuous improvement mindset with demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements to eliminate non-added value work.
• Organized, structured, problem solving and analytical in their approach.
• Confident with a proactive approach to meeting challenges and overcoming obstacles through assuming full ownership.
• Results and business orientated with focus on internal and external deadlines.
• Flexible, adaptable to change in accordance with the evolution of the organization.
• High level of energy, enthusiasm and passion.
• Committed to achieve a good level of operational autonomy.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Credit Management background ideally gained within a FMCG environment.
• Knowledge of High Radius.
• Experience of managing the relationship with a third-party outsourcer.

Working Relationships

• Reports to Senior Manager, Global Business Services.
• 1 direct report.
• Key relationships internally will include the International Finance & Controllership team, GBS Teams, local affiliate Finance & Controllership teams, AR/Credit Teams, Internal Audit, Commercial and Supply Chain teams.
• External engagement will include External Audit, local professional advisors, outsourcing partner and credit rating agencies.

Work Environment

• Travel Requirements: expected to be occasional, both within the US and internationally. Could be required to travel during projects, GBS events and international meetings.
• The role may require sitting at the desk for long periods of time.

The salary range for this position is $88,000- 132,000. Actual base salary offered to a candidate may vary based upon factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance. 

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