EMEA Credit Manager in Birmingham

Apply now Job no: 495120
Work type: Full time
Location: Woodgate, Birmingham
Categories: Finance

Main Purpose of the role

This position ensures the company’s accounts receivable ledger is managed efficiently, credit risk is mitigated, and collections targets are achieved. The EMEA Credit Manager works closely with cross-functional teams including sales, finance, operations, and legal to support business growth while safeguarding the company’s financial health. This role demands a balance of technical expertise, and people leadership to drive results.

The EMEA Credit Manager is responsible for the implementation, and management of credit policies and procedures across Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Primary Responsibilities

• Credit Assessment and Approval: Review and assess creditworthiness of new and existing customers using financial analysis, credit reports, and risk assessment tools.
• Recommend and approve appropriate credit limits and terms.
• Oversee periodic review and renewal of credit checking facilities.
• Manage the process for high-value or complex credit requests and resolve escalated issues.

• Accounts Receivable Management: Monitor regional accounts receivable aging reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Drive timely collections and proactively address overdue accounts through robust follow-up, negotiation, and collaboration with sales teams.
• Set and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), overdue debt, and bad debt write-offs.
• Oversee the maintenance of accurate customer credit records and documentation.
• Cashflow forecasting short/ medium term and reporting
• Management of credit notes and customer refunds
• Management of letters of credit and bank guarantees
• Resolution of commercial issues which have led to non collectable debts – including co-ordinating resolution through the business and driving processes changes from lessons learnt.

• Credit Risk Mitigation: Develop and implement strategies to minimise credit risk exposure and bad debt losses.
• Identify high-risk accounts and recommend appropriate actions such as credit limits, guarantees, or phased deliveries.
• Monitor macroeconomic and geopolitical developments impacting customer credit risk in the EMEA region.
• Work with the legal team to initiate and oversee litigation or insolvency proceedings, where necessary.

• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, coach, and develop credit control team.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity within the credit function.
• Identify training and development needs and implement appropriate programs.
• Setting of cash collection targets to the credit control team and monitoring results

Stakeholder Management and Reporting

• Collaborate with regional teams, sales leaders, and finance.
• Prepare and present regular credit reports, analysis, and recommendations to finance manager.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the bank, external auditors and credit checking providers for the EMEA region.

Systems and Processes

• Lead or participate in regional and global credit-related projects and system implementations.
• Continuously review and improve credit processes for efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, company policies, and external regulatory requirements across the EMEA region.
• Maintain strong data privacy and confidentiality standards in handling customer information.

What skills are we looking for?

The successful candidate must have a strong background in credit risk assessment, collections and accounts receivable management, along with progressive experience in credit management, including regional or group leadership role, preferably within a multinational environment.

They will be CICM qualified or hold an equivalent qualification and must have experience dealing with financial instruments such as Bank Guarantees and Letters of Credit. A proven ability to decipher complex and unfamiliar information to produce concise credit decisions is critical. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to influence and negotiate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. The role requires high levels of organisation, the ability to multi-task, and a track record of delivering results to tight deadlines. The candidate must be detail-oriented, uphold high ethical standards, and possess strong IT skills, particularly in Excel. Experience managing and developing teams is also required.

The ideal candidate will also have experience operating within a multinational business and navigating the diverse regulatory, economic, and cultural landscape of the EMEA region. VAT and intrastate knowledge would be advantageous, as would experience monitoring macroeconomic and geopolitical developments that impact customer credit risk. A high level of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience is important, as is the ability to confidently communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders. The candidate should be able to build and maintain strong relationships at all levels of the business and remain composed under pressure. A willingness to be hands-on, especially when solving complex problems, is highly valued.

Advertised: 09 Oct 2025 GMT Daylight Time
Applications close: