Credit & Operations Manager (Structured Finance)

About Us 

Caterpillar Financial is Caterpillar's wholly owned captive finance company, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Our mission is to solve our customers’ toughest challenges. Caterpillar Mining Finance is a global team within the Structured Finance business unit of Cat Financial and is responsible for facilitating the mining equipment financing requirements of Caterpillar’s Resource Industry customers through the use of structured equipment finance and corporate debt facilities. Customers include global mining houses, mining services providers and junior/startup mining companies.  

About the Position: 

Based out of the Tullamarine office in Melbourne, the Credit & Operations Manager is responsible for leading the credit underwriting, loan origination, portfolio management and operational processes that support Caterpillar Financial's business across Australia and the Asia Pacific region. The role plays a critical part in ensuring high-quality credit decisions, effective portfolio oversight and operational excellence while balancing customer support, business growth and risk management objectives. 

This position works closely with the sales team and internal stakeholders to facilitate sound credit decisions, manage portfolio performance and drive continuous improvement across operational processes. 

Principle duties and Responsibilities: 

Working independently and through a team, the role will be responsible for managing credit underwriting, documentation, booking, collections and portfolio resolution activities. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Managing the underwriting, credit analysis and customer risk assessments. 

• Leading documentation and booking of transactions. 

• Monitoring portfolio performance, identifying emerging credit risks and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies. 

• Overseeing collection and portfolio resolution activities. 

• Driving operational excellence through process improvement initiatives, workflow optimisation and strong governance practices. 

• Ensuring compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements and internal control standards. 

• Partnering with business development teams to support profitable growth while maintaining an appropriate risk appetite. 

• Leading and developing a high-performing credit and operations team. 

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Key Skills Required: 

• Risk Management: Knowledge of processes, tools and techniques for assessing and controlling an organization's exposure to risks of various kinds; ability to apply knowledge of risk management appropriately to diverse situations. 

• Standard Operating Procedures: Knowledge of established standard operating procedures (SOP); ability to design, implement and evaluate standard operating procedures affecting daily and strategic business operations in order to increase operational efficiency. 

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision. 

• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems. 

• Financial Services Applications: Knowledge of a specific financial services application, associated systems and sub-systems; ability to use financial services applications for delivery of services to internal and external clients. 

• Financial Statement Analysis: Knowledge of financial statement and balance sheet; ability to analyze financial statement data and determine the credit-worthiness of a business enterprise.

• Knowledge of Loan Underwriting: Knowledge of loan underwriting activities, practices and tools; ability to utilize loan underwriting tools to implement, manage and improve the underwriting process for a financial institution. 

• Loan Origination: Knowledge of the skills, methods and technologies used to process new loan applications; ability to perform loan origination activities while adhering to established policies and procedures. 

SKILLS, ABILITIES & KNOWLEDGE: 

A strong background in commercial credit, lending operations, portfolio management and risk assessment is essential. The successful candidate will possess excellent analytical, leadership and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to manage complex credit structures and operational processes in a fast-paced environment. 

Experience in equipment finance, commercial lending, structured finance, banking or financial services will be highly regarded. 

Required Qualifications and Experience 

• Degree in Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Economics or related discipline. 

• Significant experience in credit underwriting, loan origination and portfolio management. 

• Proven leadership experience managing teams and developing talent. 

• Strong understanding of financial statement analysis and credit risk assessment. 

• Experience managing collections, portfolio resolution and risk mitigation activities. 

• Demonstrated ability to improve processes, controls and operational efficiencies. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to balance commercial objectives with prudent risk management principles. 

• Experience within equipment finance, banking, asset finance or financial services preferred. 

Additional Information: 

• Working environment – 5 days in office 

• Must have full working rights in Australia 

Employee Benefits 

Competitive Salary 
Includes an attractive bonus structure and employee share program. 

Parental Leave 
Generous policy with flexibility to take leave at full or half pay. 

Diversity & Inclusion 
Caterpillar is committed to equal opportunity and equal outcome, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. 

Staff Discounts 
Enjoy discounts across health insurance, shopping, food, wellbeing, and travel. 

Global Career Opportunities 
As a global company, Caterpillar offers international career paths, along with training and development programs. 

Free Onsite Parking 
Convenient and cost-saving onsite parking available for all employees. 

How to Apply: 

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career as part of the Caterpillar team, apply today via Caterpillar Careers.