Credit & Collections Lead – Business to Business

Position Summary

A well-established manufacturing company is seeking an experienced credit and collections professional to join their team. The B2B Credit & Collections Lead is responsible for overseeing and executing the organization’s commercial credit and collections activities to ensure timely cash flow while maintaining appropriate credit risk. This role leads day‑to‑day credit operations, manages customer payment performance, supports dispute resolution, and provides guidance and oversight to credit and collections staff.

Working closely with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Customer Service, the Credit & Collections Lead balances strong customer relationships with disciplined credit practices. The role also contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, policy development, and process optimization across the order‑to‑cash lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Management

• Monitor customer financial condition through credit reports, trade references, and third‑party data sources.
• Manage credit holds and approve sales orders in accordance with policy and risk guidelines.
• Escalate high‑risk or delinquent accounts to management as appropriate.

Collections & Cash Flow

• Oversee and actively participate in the collection of past‑due accounts within established invoice terms.
• Contact customers via phone and email to resolve payment issues and negotiate payment arrangements.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging and prioritize collection activities to improve cash flow.
• Support or oversee receipt of payments, including checks, ACH, wire, and credit card transactions.
• Ensure accurate documentation and handoff to cash application or accounting teams.

Dispute Resolution & Customer Collaboration

• Resolve billing discrepancies, short payments, and invoice disputes in collaboration with Sales, Operations, and Billing teams.
• Serve as a point of contact between customers and internal stakeholders regarding credit‑related issues.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service while enforcing credit terms.

Leadership & Team Oversight

• Lead, coach, and develop credit and collections staff to ensure consistent, compliant, and effective execution.
• Monitor team performance and adjust processes or workflows to improve efficiency and results.
• Provide training and guidance on credit policies, systems, and best practices.
• Foster a collaborative, service‑oriented team environment.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Assist in developing and enhancing credit policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, leverage technology, and improve reporting.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, audit requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Support monthly reporting, metrics tracking, and management reviews.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Experience

• 5+ years of B2B credit and collections experience, preferably in a commercial, manufacturing, construction, or distribution environment.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, JD Edwards, SAP, or similar).
• Prior experience providing team leadership, supervision, or mentoring.
• Demonstrated success managing collections, disputes, and customer credit risk.
• Strong understanding of the order‑to‑cash process.

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with construction or industry‑specific credit practices, including lien laws, bond claims, or secured transactions.
• Experience supporting process improvement or system implementations.