Director of Banking

Role Overview:

Director – Global Banking is responsible for overseeing the company's global banking operations, including maintaining banking relationships, daily banking activities, and receipt of payments for documents handled by the banking team. This role leads a team responsible for Export Letters of Credit, Avalized Drafts, Export Collections, Open Account transactions, and banking compliance across multiple international regions.

The Director serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, company branch offices, global banking partners, documentation and logistics teams, treasury, and shared service operations. The role ensures timely resolution of export LC-related issues, facilitates prompt execution of financial transactions to accelerate payment from banks, maintains regulatory and banking compliance, and coordinates cross-functional teams to optimize operational efficiency and customer service.

This position directly reports to Senior Director – Global Banking at Vinmar Corporate Office – Houston, TX, USA.

Key Responsibilities:

Global Banking & Trade Finance:

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen banking relationships to support export Letter of Credit activities.
• Manage global banking operations by supporting and coordinating export transactions across multiple international business units.
• Oversee the processing, negotiation, and administration of Export Letters of Credit, Documentary Collections (CAD, D/P, D/A), Open Account transactions, and other trade finance instruments such as avalized drafts.
• Ensure accurate and timely presentation of export documents to banks in compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements, and escalate issues when service levels or KPIs are not met.
• Interpret and advise internal stakeholders on LC clauses, amendments, discrepancies, and documentary requirements.

Banking Operations:

• Manage daily export banking activities, payment processing, and collections monitoring, and ensure cash projections are updated daily.
• Monitor payment status, collection activities, and outstanding banking transactions to ensure timely resolution.
• Review and analyze banking reports, coordinate with documentation and banking teams, and monitor payment forecasts to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with banking institutions to resolve transaction delays, payment discrepancies, fees, and operational issues. Implement and monitor KPI standards for LC advising and confirmation, document negotiations, and payments.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with UCP 600, ISBP, international banking regulations, sanctions requirements, and company policies.
• Review and analyze discrepancies identified by banks and internal teams, providing guidance on corrective actions and escalation.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls related to banking operations.

Team Coordination & Process Improvement:

• Develop and mentor the banking and documentation team.
• Establish performance metrics, workflows, and service standards for the banking and documentation department.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce cycle times, and strengthen controls.
• Partner with technology teams to improve banking systems, automation, reporting capabilities, and process standardization.
• Utilize AI, automation, and digital tools to streamline banking workflows, reduce manual processing, and improve operational visibility.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• CDCS qualified professional.
• 20+ years of experience in banking operations, cash projections, trade finance, export documentation, and international banking.
• 10+ years of leadership experience managing banking teams in banks or corporate offices.
• Strong understanding of global banking and documentation in export letters of credit, avalized drafts, and other trade finance instruments.

Technical Knowledge:

• Export Letters of Credit (LC) and Export Standby Letters of Credit (SBLC)
• Export Documentary Collections (CAD, D/P, D/A, NET)
• Open Account transactions
• UCP 600 – Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (Rev. 2007)
• ISBP – International Standard Banking Practice (Rev. 2007)
• ISP98 – International Standby Practices
• Compliance regulations
• International trade finance regulations
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools

Leadership Competencies:

• Accountability and dependability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a positive attitude
• Effective escalation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment
• High attention to detail and strong risk management mindset
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional and international teams
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, process optimization, and technology adoption
• Results-oriented approach to daily activities and motivating teams