Collections Manager
Department: Lending/Collections
Reports To: Chief Lending Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Auburn, AL
Supervises: Collections Specialists/Collectors
The Collection Manager is responsible for directing and managing the Credit Union's collection function across consumer, credit card, and real estate-secured delinquent accounts. This role develops and enforces collection strategies that minimize loss, maximize recovery, and maintain compliance with applicable federal and state regulations (including FDCPA, Regulation Z, Regulation B/ECOA, and NCUA guidance) while preserving positive member relationships. The Collection Manager supervises collections staff, monitors portfolio delinquency and charge-off trends, and works closely with Lending, Risk, and Compliance to protect the financial health of the Credit Union.
Functions and Responsibilities:
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the collections department, including early-stage delinquency, late-stage collections, repossession, foreclosure referral, skip tracing, and charge-off/recovery processes.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine collection strategies and workflows to reduce delinquency and net charge-off ratios while supporting member retention.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate collections staff; set individual and team performance goals and provide regular coaching and performance feedback.
• Ensure all collection activity complies with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Regulation Z, Regulation B, bankruptcy law, and applicable state collection statutes.
• Review and approve loan modifications, extensions, repayment plans, skip-payments, and settlement offers within established lending authority.
• Monitor and report on portfolio delinquency, roll rates, recovery rates, and charge-off trends to senior management and the Board as required.
• Coordinate with internal compliance officer and legal counsel and outside agencies on repossessions, foreclosures, bankruptcies, small claims filings, and litigation as needed.
• Manage relationships with third-party collection agencies, repossession vendors, skip-tracing services, and legal partners; evaluate vendor performance.
• Ensure accurate and timely credit bureau reporting related to delinquent, charged-off, and recovered accounts.
• Respond to escalated member disputes, hardship requests, and complaints involving collection activity.
• Maintain up-to-date collection policies and procedures; ensure staff training reflects current regulatory requirements and Credit Union policy.
• Prepare for and support internal audits, NCUA examinations, and compliance reviews related to the collections function.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises collections staff. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints; and resolving problems in accordance with Credit Union policy
Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of collections or lending experience, including consumer and real estate-secured collections, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.
• Working knowledge of FDCPA, FCRA, Regulation Z, Regulation B, bankruptcy proceedings, and repossession/foreclosure laws.
• Credit union or financial institution experience strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong leadership and staff development skills, with the ability to motivate a team in a performance-driven environment.
• Sound judgment in evaluating hardship situations, negotiating repayment terms, and balancing loss mitigation with member service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with members, staff, and outside agencies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret delinquency, recovery, and charge-off data and translate it into action.
• Proficiency with core banking/loan servicing systems, collections software, and Microsoft Office (Excel in particular).
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive member financial information.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work is generally performed in a standard office environment. Requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and telephone communication. Occasional travel may be required for training, vendor meetings, or legal proceedings.