Credit Trainee

Job Description

Credit Trainee | Ferguson

The Tone:
Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company with approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations, is a leading value-added distributor in North America. The company provides expertise, solutions, and products for various industries including commercial/mechanical, facilities supply, HVAC, industrial, residential trade, and waterworks, aiming to simplify complex projects for customers. This full-time Credit Trainee program, based initially in Appleton, WI with required relocation to Columbus, OH, is designed to cultivate early career professionals into Credit Managers. This role is pivotal in preparing individuals to manage significant account portfolios, ensuring sound credit extension, effective collections, and strong customer and sales relationships to achieve business growth.

The TL;DR
• Role: Trainee Program
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Appleton, WI (with required relocation to Columbus, OH after program)
• Pay: $22.60-$33.89 hourly
• Team: Credit team, reports to Credit leadership during the program.
• Mission: To learn the fundamentals of trade credit extension and collections management to become a Credit Manager responsible for a portfolio of accounts worth millions.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Business Operations: Gain hands-on experience by actively participating in warehouse activities, working at the sales counter, accompanying delivery drivers, and shadowing various operational processes.
• Customer Engagement: Foster strong customer relationships through direct visits and leading meetings, understanding their needs and business operations.
• Credit Fundamentals: Master core credit principles including systems and processes, collections management, and the specifics of credit extension and secondary security.
• Financial and Legal Understanding: Learn about financial statements and the Uniform Commercial Code to inform credit decisions and manage risk effectively.
• Professional Development: Enhance emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills critical for effective customer and internal stakeholder interactions.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-level professional with 0-3 years of work experience post a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent professional work experience in lieu of a degree.
• Experience: Demonstrated drive and willingness to commit to an 8-12 month credit development program and learn the nuances of the credit business.
• Skills: Possess strong communication abilities for face-to-face, phone, and group presentations, alongside excellent interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence to build lasting relationships.
• Bonus: Must be open to relocating from Appleton, WI to Columbus, OH upon completion of the training program, with future openness to relocation within the US.