Columbia Sportswear, Inc.:
Director of Credit Job in Burlington, VT

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.At Columbia, were as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, were proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.
Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: Its perfect. Now make it better. As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving.
We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.
And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE POSITIONAs Columbia Sportswear Companys Director of Credit, you will oversee the Credit function for North America Wholesale Customers, and Latin America and Asia Pacific (LAAP) Distributors. You will lead and manage credit, collections, dispute management, and accounts receivable. You will also be responsible for Global Credit Risk Management and World-Wide Credit policy to minimize risk while maximizing company sales.
Success within this role will be based upon your ability to assess credit risk across a global framework, while building positive relationships and rapport with new and existing customers within this framework. This ability and skill will enable you to serve as a trusted leadership advisor and subject matter expert on credit and collection related topics.
You will also be responsible for managing a team of dedicated credit managers and analysts.


HOWYOULLMAKE A DIFFERENCEManage the US and Canada Wholesale and LAAP Distributor Credit Functions. These functions are comprised of: Credit, Collections, Dispute Management and Accounts Receivable through a team of approximately twenty-five with five direct reports.

Oversee credit function for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Distributors, as well as Distributors inChina, Korea and Japan.

Serveas a business partnertoU.S. Sales and Distributor Sales teams to maximize sales while minimizingcredit risk

Develop relationships with senior financial management at high risk, high volume Customersand Distributors. Schedules regular calls and Customer / Distributor visits as necessary

Monitor industry and customer credit risk on an on-going basis, keepingup to date on international country risk and issues in countries in which Columbia and Columbias Distributors do business

Work withtheGlobal IS team to lead process improvement and automation projects for the credit function. Serve as the Credit Champion for system related issues, newindustrysolutions, and ways to improve efficiency

Collaboratewith Accounting partnerstoensure reserve methodology adequately covers anticipated risk and meets accounting standards

On a periodic basis, forecast bad debt and chargeback expense for US brands and forecast US cash collections and US accounts receivable balances. Explain forecast variances on a monthly basis



YOU AREA credit and collections subject matter expert with a knack for financial data and document analysis

Organized, capable of running an effectivecredit function

A mentor, possessing strong management skill and anability to develop and motivate teams

A problem solver, adept at troubleshooting and solving problems that are highly complex,and deadline driven

Creative, partnering with international sales teams to implement credit solutions in support of Distribution models in high country risk geographies

Relationship focused, able to build rapportwith Distributors and Columbia personnel across cultural and geographic distances



YOUHAVEABachelors degree in Business Administration, Finance, related business field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. MBA, CCE, or ICCE are a plus

15+ years experience working in credit and collections with increasingly higher levels of responsibility in global, multi-brand companies

5+ years experienceworking with international customers and distributors required

8+ years of managerial experiencetoincludeexperience managing managers,working in a matrix organization, and leading a Credit team

Proven knowledge ofinternational country risk and tools to manage country risk

Credit experienceinclusive ofselling toglobalretailers, distributors or dealers,preferably in the apparel, footwear, or outdoor industry

In depthknowledge of bankruptcy laws and commercial credit and collection laws, concepts, practices and procedures

Ability to travel domestically and internationally (~15%)


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Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one for over 70 years, constantly working to perfect the art and enjoyment of the greater outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that offers them much more than just a paycheck.


This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.


At Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. CSC believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.