Senior Credit Analyst in Manchester

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents.

While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it.

Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people.

In exchange, we let our people own their careers.

Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world.

And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

The Senior Credit Analyst is responsible for managing and optimising the organisation's credit and collections processes, ensuring effective risk management while supporting business growth.

This role involves analysing customer creditworthiness, monitoring accounts receivable performance, mitigating financial risk, and driving continuous process improvements.

The successful candidate will combine strong analytical capabilities with excellent stakeholder management skills to influence decision-making and ensure timely cash collection.

Experience evaluating venture capital-backed and high-growth organisations is highly desirable.

Key responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate customer credit applications, financial statements, payment history, and other relevant data to determine credit risk and establish appropriate credit limits.
• Evaluate the creditworthiness of venture capital-backed and emerging growth companies, including analysis of funding rounds, cash runway, investor backing, burn rates, liquidity position, and overall financial health.
• Monitor customer accounts and credit exposure, identifying potential risks and recommending appropriate actions to minimise bad debt.
• Review and analyse aged receivables, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely collection of outstanding balances.
• Conduct detailed account reviews and reconciliations, investigating and resolving disputes, deductions, and payment discrepancies.
• Analyse credit and collections performance metrics, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Finance, and other business functions to support commercial objectives while maintaining robust credit controls.
• Prepare and present credit risk assessments, exposure reports, and key performance indicators to management.
• Make recommendations on credit limits, payment terms, and risk mitigation strategies based on customer financial performance and market factors.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of credit policies, procedures, and controls.
• Participate in internal and external audit activities related to credit management and accounts receivable processes.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior team members and support knowledge sharing across the wider finance team.

Key requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Credit Management, Credit Analysis, Accounts Receivable, or a related finance role, preferably within a multinational environment.
• Strong understanding of credit risk assessment, collections management, and financial statement analysis.
• Experience assessing credit risk for venture-funded, pre-profitability, or high-growth companies, with an understanding of venture capital financing structures, fundraising cycles, cash runway analysis, and the unique credit risks associated with early-stage organisations.
• Experience working with ERP systems (such as SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively at all levels.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Professional finance or credit qualifications (e. g., CICM, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent) are desirable.
• Preferred Competencies
• Knowledge of the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other innovation-driven sectors where venture-backed organisations represent a significant customer base.
• Ability to assess both traditional credit metrics and alternative indicators of financial strength, including investor quality, funding history, market position, and growth trajectory.
• Strong commercial awareness and business partnering skills.
• Ability to balance risk management with customer and business needs.
• Experience driving process improvement, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement programmes

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people.

For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility.

How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves.

At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment.

Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences.

In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world.

The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.