Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living!

The Credit Manager is responsible for the delivery of high quality, ongoing operation of the credit and collections processes, applied to customers in a range of geographic territories. 

This role will be responsible for proposing changes and improvements to the existing Credit Risk & Collection Strategy and rolling out processes and procedures which are aligned to the existing S&N Control framework.

The Credit Manager will work with a cross-functional stakeholder base (Finance, Commercial & Legal) to improve processes, resolve issues and drive actions ensuring that the target Day-Sales-Outstanding is met.  

The role will design appropriate governance structures to minimize bad debt exposure to S&N over the credit management process (including monitoring & management of credit limit balances, blocked order releases and annual credit limit re-approvals) and the Collection Strategy in conjunction with Collections Team Lead (including AR monitoring, collections, dispute management, bad debt provision calculation and AR write-off).

The role holder will own the identification and implementation of Continuous Improvement in the operational processes and performance. This will include monitoring and optimization of activities currently performed, review and approval of all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), mentoring, training and back up support for GBS team members, and identification and migration of further activities as appropriate.

The role holder works in close unison with own manager, commercial team, Director Order to Cash APAC and finance business partners. Where appropriate the Credit Manager will visit select customers in person to negotiate payment plans and drive improvements in debt.

Responsibilities:

• Devise and manage operation of the Credit Management and Collections Strategy
• Partnership with commercial teams and key distributor customers to support aligned commercial and credit outcomes.
• Working with Collections Team Leads and Finance Operation Controller/Business Partner to set up and monitor monthly collections targets in line with a standard framework
•  Operation and maintenance of Global Credit Management timetable of activities – including execution of key financial controls
• Minimise DSO, Aging profile and write off of debt
• Liaise with management in other functions (Sales, Customer Service, Order management) to improve the end-to-end process and unblock / resolve long running disputes and identify their root causes
• Manage customer credit limits in accordance with the Business Unit Strategy, ensuring sign off in alignment with Delegated Authority Matrix (DAM). Proactively monitor customer credit limit headroom to minimise blocked orders.
• Set the Business Unit rules and monitor compliance for the approval or Order Releases in accordance with the S&N Delegation of Authority Matrix. Embed rules within the system workflows, if not possible, design a compliant and efficient manual workflow approval process.
• Ensure appropriate governance structures are in place for disputed customer balances which lead to alternative payment arrangements (e.g., Payment plans), transfer of aged debt into the legal process, write-offs of debt.
• Ensure appropriate reporting is in place for teams to proactively monitor credit worthiness (AR ageing, credit limit headroom) and determine actions where there are changes in status that may impact DSO
• Review and approve SOPs
• Mentor and train Credit & Collections staff on market specifics and the localised collections strategy
• Creating procedures and policies that ensure timely payments while maintaining a high level of customer retention
• Act as an escalation point for commercial, Customer Service and OTC teams
• Site visits / face-to-face contact with key customers
• To always act in a responsible manner to avoid risk to self or to the company and comply with the workplace safety and health and security policy.
• Any other duties involved within the role and/ or the tasks as assigned from time to time.

Location: GBS Malaysia Kuala Lumpur

Requirements:

• Relevant professional qualification
• Accounting qualification is an asset
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in Credit Management and Collections.
• Demonstrates experience in analysing financial data, drawing sound conclusions and developing proposals/solutions.
• Must have strong Credit and receivables management experience.
• Must be able to demonstrate past track record of success in Order-To-Cash cycle deliverables
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of financial statements and key ratios relevant for credit risk analysis
• Knowledge of Axapta/SAP FI/CO within order-to-cash space
• Must have experience working with cross functional senior stakeholders and be able to influence and make an impact on decision making
• Must be fluent in English (and other language if relevant for the cluster
• Travel Requirements:  <10–25%>

You. Unlimited. We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/ 

Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  

Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account , Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program  

Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  

Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship