Debt Recovery Team Leader

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Debt Recovery Team Leader for our client, a local government organisation based in Wembley, London. The successful post holder will lead and manage a team of Debt Recovery Officers responsible for recovering a range of debt portfolios, including Housing Benefit Over payments, Adult Social Care Debt and Sundry Debt. The role will be responsible for delivering effective debt recovery outcomes, implementing operational plans aligned with the organisation's Debt Recovery Strategy, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policies, and driving high standards of performance, customer service and staff development.

This role is a temporary contract with an initial contract length of 3 months with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working. Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:
Lead, motivate and manage a team of Debt Recovery Officers to deliver high-quality debt recovery services and achieve recovery targets. Oversee the recovery of Housing Benefit Over payments, Adult Social Care Debt, Sundry Debt and other debt portfolios managed by this organisation. Implement operational plans and recovery strategies to improve collection performance and minimise bad debt. Set, monitor and review individual and team performance targets, addressing underperformance in line with organisational policies and procedures.

Analyse performance information and exception reports, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions to improve recovery outcomes. Ensure recovery activity is conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, statutory requirements, case law and organisational policies. Support the development of suitable repayment arrangements while protecting the financial interests of this organisation. Provide coaching, mentoring, supervision and development opportunities to staff to improve capability and performance.

Work collaboratively with internal departments and external stakeholders to remove barriers to debt recovery and improve service delivery. Present complex financial and operational information clearly to a range of internal and external stakeholders. Manage employee relations matters including attendance, capability, conduct and performance issues in accordance with organisational procedures. Promote continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, efficiency and customer outcomes.

Personal Requirements:
Experience working within a local authority debt recovery or debt collection environment. Experience managing or supervising staff and delivering high-performance outcomes. Strong knowledge of debt recovery processes, procedures and enforcement methods, including court and legal recovery action. Understanding of legislation relating to Housing Benefit Over payments, Adult Social Care Debt, Sundry Debt or similar debt recovery portfolios. Proven ability to manage performance, workloads and competing priorities effectively.

Ability to analyse, interpret and apply complex legislation, policies and financial information. Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify practical and effective solutions.

Experience of using performance data, management information and reporting tools to drive service improvements. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to present complex information clearly. Ability to coach, mentor and develop staff through performance management and personal development planning. Understanding of financial controls, governance requirements and risk management principles. Commitment to equality, diversity and delivering excellent customer service.

Working Hours:

Monday - Friday / 9:00am - 17:00pm Pay: £33.67 per hour Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.