Credit Manager

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 RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, 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 CONDITIONS

Primarily 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & 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.

VOLLRATH'S CORE VALUES

Life Beyond Work: Our intention is to care for the well-being of every individual we engage with, understanding them as a whole person.  We strive to keep people mentally and physically safe, sending each person home in a condition to build a fulfilling life beyond work.  We encourage balance, allowing our colleagues to pursue their passions.

Take Ownership: Our intention is to match our actions with our words, building trust with others.  We are united in taking responsibility for the success of Vollrath as a whole.

Treat All People with Respect: Our intention is to recognize the diverse experiences, styles, and backgrounds of others, treating everyone with dignity.  We aim to foster an inclusive culture where all team members can be their authentic selves and feel safe in voicing their perspectives.

Empower Action: Our intention is to create a workplace where every member can thrive in their growth and contributions with excitement, confidence, and psychological safety.  We support each team member with resources and tools to strengthen collaboration and performance.

Commitment to Those Who Count on Us: Our intention is to drive innovation and practical solutions through understanding the needs of our coworkers, customers, owners, and communities.  We are dedicated to proactively addressing those needs and delivering results.