Credit Risk Manager - 12 Month FTC

Zenith Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

Are you a qualified accountant with a passion for credit risk management? At Zenith, we're looking for a Credit Risk Manager for a fixed term basis for 12 months to join our fast-paced and agile Credit Risk Team. This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical function within the UK's largest independent vehicle solutions provider.

Zenith is leading the way in driving the transition to sustainable vehicle solutions and shaping the future of leasing. With ambitious growth plans and a £25 million, four-year transformation programme already underway, there's never been a more exciting time to join us. We're committed to our People Promise, investing in our teams, systems, and culture to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.

WHATS THE ROLE?

At Zenith, our Credit Risk Team is a fast-paced, agile group of accounting experts managing a diverse portfolio of well-known brands across multiple industries. In this unique credit risk environment, you'll take ownership of the credit risk function, ensuring the effective application of credit policies, risk appetite, and procedures. You'll lead the Group's monthly Credit Risk Review Committee, oversee customer credit assessments, and make critical decisions to mitigate risk while supporting business growth.

This role requires someone with effective people management, engagement, motivational, and team-building skills, as well as the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation. You'll inspire and engage your team, support their development, and deliver objectives against performance standards.

As a subject matter expert on all aspects of customer credit, you'll work closely with senior stakeholders, including the CFO, executive board members, and other key leaders across the business.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing credit reviews for Corporate, Commercial, Corporate Rental, and Fleet Managed customers to balance growth with risk mitigation.
• Leading the preparation and maintenance of the Credit Committee pack.
• Implementing and maintaining credit standards, ensuring adherence across the Group to uphold credit quality.
• Driving the credit risk element of new system developments to improve processes, automation, and reporting.
• Collaborating with teams across Corporate, Commercial, and Rental businesses to ensure credit quality, escalating issues to the board where necessary.
• Engaging with executive board members, Legal and Compliance, Funding and Strategy, and other key stakeholders on credit matters.
• Coaching and developing a team of qualified accountants and credit risk analysts to deliver exceptional performance.
• Representing Credit Risk with external customers, including at board level, to support complex or borderline credit decisions.
• Monitoring the customer portfolio for early signs of financial distress and driving appropriate responses.
• Leading in-depth financial analysis to support complex credit decisions and assessing the macroeconomic environment's impact on customers and sectors.
• Overseeing the Credit Risk Committee management information report, including sector and customer analysis.
• Leading the Credit Risk element of the Group's banking audits.

WHY ZENITH?

At Zenith, we're incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the past 35 years. We've been shaping the automotive industry with innovative solutions across commercial vehicles, corporate fleets, and consumer leasing. Here's why we're a great place to work:

• Sustainability Leaders: With 41% of our fleet now Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), we're driving the transition to net zero as a carbon-neutral organisation. We're also proud issuers of the UK leasing sector's largest-ever green bond.
• Award-Winning Business: Recognised as Leasing Company of the Year (Fleet News 2023), Large Business of the Year Award (Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards) and winners of the Diversity and Inclusion Award (Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards).
• Commitment to Innovation: With a thriving fleet of 169,910 vehicles and consistent revenue growth, we're at the forefront of industry transformation.
• Inclusive Culture: Powered by six colleague-led diversity groups, we're committed to creating an outstanding employee experience for everyone.
• Career Development: Our MyGPS personal development framework empowers our people to grow, thrive, and shape their careers in a business built for the future.

WHAT YOU CAN OFFER

This role is ideal for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with experience in credit risk or a background in practice (e.g., insolvency, restructuring, M&A, or deals) seeking a move into industry. You'll need:

• Proven credit risk experience within direct business lending or supplier/customer analysis environments.
• Effective people management and team-building skills.
• Confidence in decision-making, using sound judgment based on detailed analysis.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and motivate at all levels.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Salary up to £78,000 (depends on experience) & Annual bonus
• Company car / car allowance
• 24 days annual leave & 1 day birthday leave plus the option to buy more
• Private Medical Cover
• Life Insurance
• Breakdown cover
• Dental and Health cash plans
• Critical Illness cover
• Tech Scheme
• Car Sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Perks at Work – save money on everyday essentials with access to a shopping discounts site
• Support for your wellbeing – access to an onsite GP & Masseuse, Employee Assistance Programme, Pensions advice, Funded HRT Treatment, and Mental Health First Aiders
• Sports and Social club - Company/Team activities
• Agile working
• Free parking
• Onsite bistro
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks

SOUND LIKE THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU? APPLY NOW!

When you join Zenith, you're becoming part of a team that's driving innovation, sustainability, and success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from people who want to be part of a business that's shaping the future of vehicle mobility, delivering for customers, and making a difference for the environment and society.