Collections Team Lead

ThinkingAhead; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

ThinkingAhead in New York, NY is seeking a Collections Team Lead to supervise the Collections team and manage delinquent accounts. You will ensure adherence to internal procedures and legal standards while coaching staff and coordinating with other departments and leadership.

The Collections Team Lead leads by example, coaches team members, and maintains strong communication with departments. This role reports to the Customer Svc & Collections Mgr and is exempt in status.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years of collections experience in a commercial lending, banking or financial services environment.
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support daily activities of the Collections team to ensure timely and effective contact with delinquent accounts.
• Conduct routine account reviews and monitor aging reports to ensure appropriate action on past due loans.
• Train new team members on policies, systems, and procedures; provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback.
• Oversee follow-up on check and ACH bounces and ensure proper communication and resolution steps.
• Review and approve 10-day past due letters and other customer communications for consistency and compliance.
• Serve as liaison between the Collections team and Legal, Loan Servicing, and Sales.
• Prepare delinquency summaries and status updates for the VP; develop action plans for problem loans.
• Coordinate site visits for delinquent or repossession cases and ensure policy alignment.
• Assist with loan workouts and recommend modifications or legal actions as needed.
• Support in-house attorney with default notices and collections-related legal matters.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Coaching

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Accounting software

TValue

Job description

Job Title: Collections Team Lead

Department: Operations

Reports to: Customer Svc & Collections Mgr

Status: Exempt

Grade: 10

Salary Range: $90,000- $102,474

Actual compensation within the pay range will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, skills, prior relevant experience, and specific work location.

Location: New York, NY

Purpose/Objective

The Collections Team Leader provides day-to-day supervision and guidance to the Collections team while continuing to manage a portfolio of delinquent accounts. The Team Leader ensures that delinquency management processes are executed consistently, efficiently, and in compliance with internal procedures and legal standards. This role is instrumental in coaching team members, improving departmental workflow, and maintaining strong communication with other departments and leadership.

The Collections Team Leader leads by example, fosters a culture of accountability and professionalism, and serves as the primary point of escalation for complex or high-risk collection matters.

Key Accountabilities

• Supervise and support daily activities of the Collections team to ensure timely and effective contact with delinquent accounts.


• Conduct routine account reviews and monitor aging reports to ensure appropriate action is being taken on all past due loans.


• Train new team members on policies, systems, and procedures; provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to the team.


• Oversee follow-up on check and ACH bounces, ensuring that proper communication and resolution steps are taken.


• Review and approve 10-day past due letters and other customer communications for consistency and compliance.


• Serve as the liaison between the Collections team and other departments, including Legal, Loan Servicing, and Sales.


• Support the VP by preparing summaries of delinquent accounts, collections status updates, and action plans for problem loans.


• Coordinate and attend site visits for delinquent or repossession cases; ensure repossession activities are handled in line with company policy.


• Assist with loan workouts and recommend modifications or legal actions as needed.


• Support the in-house attorney in preparing default notices and assist in collections-related legal matters.


• Maintain accurate records of team activities, call logs, payment arrangements, and compliance documentation.


• Ensure team members adhere to BSA/AML compliance requirements and complete all required trainings.


• Participate in and help lead weekly collections meetings; elevate critical issues to the VP as necessary.


• Provide backup support for Collections Representatives during high-volume periods.

Education

• High School Diploma required


• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of collections experience in a commercial lending, banking or financial services environment


• Prior supervisory or team lead experience strongly preferred

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution

Where You Work Matters

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment


• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and TValue; knowledge of company’s accounting software required


• Knowledge of repossession and legal collections processes is a plus


• Proven ability to coach others and contribute to a positive team culture


• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive account matters

Compensation

$100,000 per year