Collections Manager

Job Description

Title: Collections Manager

Location : Chicago, IL (Fully Onsite)

Pay Rate : $80K-$100k based on experience


Benefits : Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K


*Must come from distribution or manufacturing industry*

Are you a results-driven credit and collections professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy leading teams, optimizing processes, and making a direct impact on cash flow and risk management? If so, this role is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a critical function and drive meaningful results within a growing organization.

We are seeking a AR Credit Manager to lead our credit and accounts receivable team. This individual will play a key role in safeguarding company assets, optimizing collections performance, and building strong partnerships across Finance, Sales, and Operations. The right candidate will bring both strategic thinking and hands-on leadership, ensuring our credit and collections processes are efficient, compliant, and customer-focused.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and mentor the Accounts Receivable (AR) team to achieve excellence in invoicing, reconciliation, and collections.
• Enhance processes around credit approvals, collections, risk management, and customer communications to drive efficiency and reduce DSO.
• Review and approve credit applications, set credit terms, and collaborate with Sales and Finance to align risk with business growth.
• Personally handle due diligence for major accounts to ensure informed credit decisions.
• Maintain up-to-date customer credit files, including payment history, scores, and trade credit thresholds.
• Proactively resolve invoice disputes, balancing firm collection practices with positive customer relationships.
• Deliver insightful KPI reports and dashboards to leadership, highlighting opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Identify and implement automation, process improvements, and risk reduction initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership to forecast cash flow and optimize collections strategies.
• Ensure adequate staffing, resources, and training are in place to support a high-performing AR and Billing team.

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in credit and collections management.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of credit-related laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively and resolve customer disputes.
• Track record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving measurable results.
• Proficiency with Excel, ERP/CRM systems (NetSuite preferred), and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner across departments and influence outcomes.
• Analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Alicia Alexander
Technical Recruiter & Team Mentor

Alicia Alexander is a Technical Recruiter and Team Mentor at Sterling Engineering with four years of recruiting experience and nearly three years with Sterling. She specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and technical recruiting, supporting roles across maintenance, reliability, operations, engineering, and industrial environments, including food and life sciences.

Alicia is passionate about helping people find careers where they feel genuinely happy, supported, and positioned for long-term growth. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with candidates, helping them take the next step in their careers, and supporting companies as they build strong, high-performing teams.

With a background in psychology and human resources from North Central College, Alicia brings a people-focused approach to recruiting. Her understanding of relationship building, communication, and candidate motivation helps her create successful matches between talent and opportunity.

Alicia is known for developing strong partnerships with both candidates and hiring managers, with a focus on creating long-term placements that benefit both the individual and the organization.

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About Chicago, IL

Unlock your potential in the bustling job market around Chicago, Illinois! Dive into a world of endless possibilities and growth opportunities in the Windy City and its vibrant suburbs. From iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier to the world-class cuisine of deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, this area is rich in culture and charm. Immerse yourself in the thriving arts scene at the Art Institute of Chicago or enjoy a night out at the renowned Second City comedy club. With top-notch theaters, professional sports teams like the Cubs and the Bears, and lush green spaces like Millennium Park, Chicago offers an unbeatable lifestyle for career-driven individuals. Explore our job listings today and discover why Chicago is the perfect place to kickstart your career journey!