National Credit and Risk Manager

Johannesburg | Head Office | Finance Department

A leading freight-forwarding company in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced National Credit and Risk Manager to join its Head Office Finance team.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this strategic leadership role is responsible for managing the Group's credit risk framework, debtor portfolio, collections function, trade finance activities, credit insurance relationships, and working capital management across multiple legal entities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in protecting cash flow, mitigating financial risk, and supporting the company's growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Risk Management

Review, assess, approve, or decline credit applications in line with company policies and risk appetite.
Conduct creditworthiness assessments using financial information, credit bureau reports, and supporting documentation.
Manage customer credit limits and ensure appropriate credit insurance cover is in place.
Perform annual reviews and re-vetting of debtor accounts and credit facilities.

Debtor Management and Collections

Oversee the national debtor portfolio and ensure effective collections processes.
Manage overdue and high-risk accounts, including payment negotiations and repayment plans.
Monitor ageing reports and implement actions to reduce debtor days and improve cash flow.
Review and approve interest charges on overdue accounts.

Legal Recoveries and Insolvency Management

Coordinate legal recovery actions through attorneys and collection agencies.
Manage debt recovery processes involving liquidations, business rescue proceedings, and insolvencies.
Prepare and review legal documentation, including Acknowledgements of Debt (AODs).
Recommend bad debt provisions and write-offs where appropriate.

Trade Finance and Credit Insurance

Oversee the company's trade finance product offering and associated credit risks.
Manage relationships with credit insurers and brokers.
Submit and monitor credit insurance applications, notifications, and claims.
Ensure alignment between customer exposure, credit limits, and insurance cover.

Working Capital and Cash Flow Management

Prepare weekly cash collection forecasts.
Support the optimisation of working capital and debtor finance facilities.
Authorise banking transactions in accordance with approved mandates and controls.
Monitor customer exposure and facility utilisation.

Leadership and Team Management

Lead, mentor, and develop the Credit Control team.
Establish departmental objectives, policies, and performance standards.
Monitor team performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Governance and Compliance

Ensure compliance with internal credit policies, procedures, and quality management systems.
Support internal and external audits.
Maintain accurate records and audit trails for all credit-related activities.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and risk management.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

Grade 12 (Matric).
Diploma in Credit Management or Risk Management (NQF Level 6).
BCom Degree in Finance, Credit Management, Risk Management, or a related field will be advantageous.

Experience

Minimum 15 years of credit management experience.
Minimum 5 years of management experience in a senior credit or risk management role.
Experience within the freight forwarding, logistics, supply chain, or related industry would be advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong credit risk management and debtor management expertise.
Sound understanding of credit insurance, trade finance, and debtor finance facilities.
Experience managing legal recoveries, liquidations, and business rescue matters.
Advanced financial analysis and credit assessment skills.
Strong leadership, coaching, and people management abilities.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organisational skills.
High levels of integrity, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a commercially minded credit and risk professional with a proven track record of reducing risk exposure, improving cash flow, leading high-performing teams, and supporting business growth within a fast-paced operational environment.