Head of Credit Bridgestone EMEA

Job Purpose

The Head of Credit plays a key role in driving the commercial and financial success of the business by leading credit operations across all Wholesale and Retail business units in Europe. Reporting to the Finance Director for Sales and Marketing, the role is accountable for credit policies, methodologies, portfolio management, reporting, and monitoring, as well as for improving underlying credit performance metrics.

The role leads the Credit Risk Committee and provides key input to the Working Capital Steering Committee. Working with a strong network of credit managers across regions, the Head of Credit supports regional and central teams with a continuous improvement mindset. The position combines strategic leadership with hands‑on involvement in credit control and legal processes, making extensive use of data and analytics to improve credit risk outcomes and support the sales organisation. Regular interaction with regional teams and international travel are part of the role.

Responsibilities

Credit Strategy & Governance

• Define, develop, and maintain credit policies, methodologies, and portfolio management frameworks
• Lead the Credit Risk Committee and contribute to the Working Capital Steering Committee
• Ensure business units operate within defined credit risk appetite

Credit Operations & Performance

• Deliver credit objectives with strong results in collections, risk management, and service delivery
• Own and continuously improve collection strategies to manage company risk
• Oversee month‑end close and credit reporting
• Manage credit insurance applications and relationships with credit insurers

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a credit organisation of 35 people across Europe, with 5 direct reports
• Set objectives, streamline processes, and ensure efficient resource allocation
• Conduct regular one‑to‑one reviews, ledger analysis, and performance tracking
• Foster a confident, results‑driven, and collaborative team culture

Stakeholder & Business Partnership

• Act as the escalation point for credit‑related issues and resolve account disputes to reduce aged debt
• Review financials and credit limits for high‑risk or strategic customers
• Act as a business partner to the Sales organisation
• Present credit and risk performance to senior management, including credit committees and working capital forums
• Work closely with key stakeholders to manage query logs and response times

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and produce analytics and reporting on credit risk and performance
• Use data and analytics to identify improvements in credit risk positioning
• Assist with cross‑functional projects related to credit, risk, and working capital

Qualifications & Experience Required

Experience & Expertise

• Proven track record in implementing and maintaining credit risk strategies and policies
• Strong experience in credit risk modelling and scorecard development
• Experience in a European‑wide role with demonstrated people leadership
• Hands‑on experience with end‑to‑end credit control and legal processes

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong credit, financial analysis, and modelling skills
• Ability to prepare high‑quality, structured credit papers
• Strong understanding of customer experience metrics (NPS, CES)

Soft / Behavioral Skills

• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Comfortable in customer‑facing environments
• Team player with a positive, collaborative mindset
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, international environment

Languages

• Fluent English (group language)
• Other European languages are a plus

#LI-LV1