Collections Manager

Job Description

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.