Director, Corporate Credit

  • Full-time

Company Description

Summit Electric Supply is an electrical distributor keeping current with innovative changes in the way our world is powered. With over 40 years of continuous growth in a $110 billion industry, you can count on Summit's stability. Summit will provide the tools you need, along with your commitment to customer service and drive to excel, to have a successful career in electrical supply distribution. 

Job Description

This position may be out of Houston, TX or Albuquerque, NM.

Role Summary:  The Director of Credit supports Summit’s sales efforts by extending customers credit in a way that maximizes sales and profit while minimizing the risk of loss to Summit and utilizing Summit’s capital effectively.  Responsible for the overall direction and management of the Credit Department, which includes development and leadership of all credit specialists, assistants and cash applications.  Ensures all credit personnel are trained to complete credit applications, assess creditworthiness, perform risk analysis and reviews, negotiate payment and securitization plans with delinquent accounts, conduct credit investigations, and protect Summit’s assets with appropriate securitization, notices and documentation, including liens as necessary where appropriate.  The Director will develop and implement credit policies and provide guidelines concerning credit extension to Summit’s customers.  

As the Director of Corporate Credit you will:

  • Establish policies and procedures concerning credit functions such as cash and check handling, check posting, credit work workflow process, standardized collection letters, credit application process, and actions taken on aged accounts. 
  • Work closely with Service Center Leaders, Regional VPs, CFO, and President to ensure that a balance is reached between the needs of the customer and Summit’s business interests. 
  • Approve credit limits on customer accounts and handles special credit arrangements and collaborates with RVP’s with regard to deviations from standard payment terms . 
  • Negotiate and evaluate third party credit reporting agency relationships, Dunn and Bradstreet, etc. 
  • Take an active role in National Association of Credit Management, administer educational products available. 
  • Develop relationships with credit/collections attorneys and agencies in each Summit location and judicially engages as necessary to collect on delinquent accounts. 
  • Negotiate favorable third-party collection rates as well as develop appropriate policy concerning their utilization. 
  • Monitor credit activity including monthly review of all accounts. Audit delinquent accounts considered to be uncollectible; ensure appropriate efforts have been taken before assigning bad credit status to account. 
  • Create and present reports to management on large account activity, summary aging analysis and bad debt reserve analysis. 
  • Prepare and review collection reports and monitor aged Accounts Receivable to evaluate effectiveness of current collection policies and procedures. 
  • Supervise Credit Specialists and Assistants, providing career development and mentoring and building a high-performing team characterized by openness and trust. 
  • Collaborate with members of the Summit team to resolve Customer Disputes. 
  • Maintain DSO levels consistent with High Performing Electrical Distributors based on PAR or  agreed upon with CFO.
  • Maintain Bad Debt write offs to less than .001% of sales. 

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

  • Must have a flexible growth and sales-oriented approach to credit management, facilitating sales growth while minimizing risk.
  • Intimate knowledge of construction lien, bond laws, and related notice requirements.  Experience with UCC filings.
  • Strong business acumen with an understanding of how credit policies impact profitability, market conditions, competitive advantage, and customer loyalty.
  • Strong communication and people skills.
  • Ability to take and hold a firm position when faced with persuasive arguments that increase Summit’s risks beyond what good judgement would dictate.
  • Willingness to seek counsel on complex issues or when in doubt.
  • Customer service orientation (internal and external).
  • Ability to analyze credit data by market and across the organization making informed decisions aligned with Summit’s strategic goals that drive business results. 
  • Ability to read and analyze Financial Statements.
  • Must be able to work independently while partnering with internal customers to deliver exceptional service to all other Summit departments and external customers.
  • Team player, creative thinker with good follow-up skills and attention to detail.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
  • Unwavering commitment to, and conduct in accordance with, Summit’s values and mission.
  • Must possess a can-do attitude with will-do commitment.

Beneficial Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business.
  • Extensive credit experience in similar organization or industry.
  • Familiarity and experience within the commercial construction industry.
  • Familiarity with Global Markets relating to the extension of credit.
  • Familiarity with Letters of Credit, Standby Letters of Credit.
  • Demonstrated experience in implementing credit systems or revising credit policies and procedures.
  • Previous successful experience in SAP including BI tools is preferred.
  • Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel and knowledge of analytical tools.
  • Professional designation with the National Association of Credit Management (NACM) and/or Credit Business Fellow (CBF).

Physical Challenges:

  • Some travel to Summit locations and customer offices required.

Additional Information

Not sure yet if this is the right position for you? Contact a recruiter for more information about the position and how you can jump start your career in a dynamic, growing industry today!

Be a part of the Summit Electric family with room to grow and excel!

As an equal opportunity employer, Summit is dedicated to serving our customers, associates, suppliers, and local communities through inclusion, mutual respect, and merit. We do not base any hiring or employment decisions on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or age.

**NM: Our Company uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov