Due to the increasing global portfolio of projects, an experienced Head of Credit is sought to align with and support future business growth aspirations in driving a best in class credit function.
With significant experience in client Credit Risk due-diligence methodology, credit control management, together with a track record of utilising and embracing technological advances in a global professional services organisation.
This role exists to define and deliver the Group Credit Policy ensuring that commercially astute cash collection becomes a standard practice across Buro Happold.
This is a hybrid role, combining office and home working. You’ll be expected to be in the office at least 2 days per week.
What will success look like for this role
Strategic direction of the Credit Risk and Credit Control Teams, acting as an escalation point for all credit matters in supporting the Credit, Finance and wider technical teams.
Update, define and deliver an effective Group Credit Strategy that determines appropriate methods to expedite cash collection around the globe.
Contribute to developing a culture of excellence throughout the Practice on the entire Accounts Receivable cycle, including contractual terms, invoicing and cash collection.
Continue to develop internal credit risk methodology and client on-boarding process to mitigate the risk of delinquent debtors.
As a global practice, international experience is essential, and with 50% of our revenue based in the Middle East (KSA), success with be ensuring security & credit initiatives are in place to minimise cash risk in that region.
Seek out Global risk mitigation tools to prevent potential loss events.
Effectively collaborate with wider Global Finance team and Finance departmental heads.
Build rapport with Senior project personnel and Partners in matters relating to cash collection and debt.
Coach and lead the function to be continually evolving with their development.
Identifying process improvements and/or bring best practices from prior Credit roles would be a desired attribute in this role.
Responsibilities
- Global cash inflow oversight. Working with Credit Control Manager to drive cash collections across the international business.
- Collaborating with Finance Heads to drive adherence to cash collection targets.
- Implement invoicing forecast via project billing schedules to drive accurate cash forecast reporting.
- Deliver on Practice-wide DSO target and KPI.
- Prepare annual DSO, Invoicing and collection targets.
- Work closely with Middle East finance team to drive a culture of support on Receivables.
- Drive an initiative on Knowledge Sharing. Utilising Internal Magellan site to communicate a one-stop shop for all credit matters.
- Future Proofing. Building and continuous development of the credit function aligned to a c.500m Turnover organisation to ensure its suitability for purpose.
- Benchmarking.
- Internal benchmarking against business areas
- External benchmarking against peer organisations in sector across KPI.
- Process improvement.
- Ensure completion and smooth global integration of the Dunning Automation platform
- Management of team performance, to include training, structure and objective setting.
- Act as a liaison with the Commercial and Legal Team (CLT) for all debt related matters that require pre-legal intervention.
- Ensure continuous adherence to global sanctions policy.
- Own the credit risk function and promote the output of key sensitive information to the Global Credit and Commercial Executive committee.
- Annual engagement with Auditors and provide oversight on debtors globally.
- Conduct ad-hoc visit to client organisations, with Partners, to provide payment support.
Skills & Qualifications
- Preferably a Member of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management or equivalent
- Experience of working in a global company, and ideally with Middle East presence
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong influencing skills.
- Accuracy and attention to detail are essential for this role.
- Proven track record of leading credit control teams in achieving collection targets,
- Excellent internal and external stakeholder management skills, comfortable interacting across all levels of the business globally.
- Ability to build effective working relationships and work collegiately in a supportive team environment.
- Ability to manage own workload and work with minimal supervision. Highly organised with the proven ability to prioritise and work to tight deadlines.
- Intermediate Excel skills, (VLookups, Pivot Tables) required.
- Capable of presenting analytical data to stakeholders.
- Working with internal teams to drive effective Credit Control reporting.
- Utilise internal data to identify problem areas and escalate where appropriate.
- Abreast of the latest Credit Control Systems/ Technology.
- Able to make inroads in engaging stakeholders and promoting the function / increasing engagement.
- Strong credit risk credentials, has a keen interest and understanding of credit analysis processes and how it can link into Credit Control.
- Experience of professional services or the construction industry would be an advantage.
Styles & Behaviour
- Outstanding leadership and management skills with a passion for coaching & developing a team.
- Have a growth mindset with continuous improvement and development of Credit Control strategies in maximising the cash collection and driving down DSO.
- Has a vision to work towards excellence within the Credit Control Space.
- Demonstrable gravitas to influence major stakeholders across the Global business.
- Experienced at reviewing existing process and establishing enhancements where required.
- Provide input on duties and operational projects as requested by your line manager.
- Prioritising appropriately and working to agreed deadlines, managing expectations of internal clients and other members of the team.
- Be able to take timely and considered decisions, including corrective action, as necessary.
- Maintain understanding of changes within specialism and relevant best practice.
- Willingness to learn and apply newly acquired skills
- Drive a “best in class” function and regularly compare against peer groups.
- Strive to increase own digital and data skills and keep ahead of technological trends.
- Join us to find out what you’re really capable of.
- Described by our clients as 'passionate', 'innovative', 'collaborative': Buro Happold is an independent, international engineering practice that for over 40 years has become synonymous with the delivery of creative, value led building and city solutions for an ever changing world. Having worked on every continent, our clients include more than 90% of the world's leading architectural practices and we have collaborated with global organisations such as the United Nations, The World Bank and UNESCO. Through our global community of driven, world leading engineering and consulting professionals we deliver elegant solutions for buildings and cities that seek to address the major problems facing societies today. Follow us @burohappold and find out more at www.burohappold.com.
Buro Happold value flexible working as an important part of the way we work. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.#LI-JA1 #Hybrid