We use essential cookies

Please Accept our Privacy Policy

Collections Manager

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Chicago, IL • 9/25/2026

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.