Debt Recovery Team Leader

Debt Recovery Team Leader

• Rate of pay: 25.57 PAYE / 33.67 Umbrella per hour
• 2x positions available
• Job Type: Temporary (until 18/09/2026, with possible extension)
• Location: Wembley (Hybrid/Office-based as required)

An opportunity for an experienced Debt Recovery Team Leader to manage and drive the collection of complex debt portfolios including Housing Benefit Overpayments, Adult Social Care, Sundry Debt and other local government debt streams. You will lead a high-performing team, ensuring recovery activity is compliant, efficient and aligned to strategic objectives while safeguarding financial outcomes.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Manage the recovery of one or more debt portfolios, ensuring timely, consistent and effective collection activity
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of up to 15 Debt Recovery Officers, driving performance through coaching, mentoring and supervision
• Set, monitor and review individual and team recovery targets, addressing underperformance where required
• Implement operational plans aligned to the Debt Recovery Strategy to maximise income and minimise bad debt
• Ensure all recovery actions comply with relevant legislation, regulations and internal policies
• Apply appropriate recovery methods and ensure sustainable repayment arrangements are agreed
• Analyse performance data and exception reports, identifying trends and implementing improvements
• Present clear, data-driven insights to stakeholders to support decision making
• Work collaboratively across departments and with external partners to remove barriers and improve recovery outcomes
• Maintain strong knowledge of debt recovery legislation, processes and best practice
• Manage staffing matters in line with corporate policies including performance, conduct and attendance
• Ensure high standards of customer service, professionalism and safeguarding practices

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience within a local authority or public sector debt recovery environment
• Strong knowledge of debt recovery processes, including legal and court procedures
• Understanding of legislation relating to Housing Benefit Overpayments, Adult Social Care and/or Sundry Debt
• Experience managing and leading teams, with the ability to drive performance and deliver results
• Ability to analyse complex data, legislation and financial information to inform decisions
• Strong problem-solving skills with sound judgement and decision-making capability
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
• Confident communicator, able to present complex information clearly to a range of stakeholders
• Experience developing staff through coaching, training and performance management
• Ability to work collaboratively across services and with external partners

Desirable

• Experience using systems such as Oracle, Northgate (Revenues & Benefits), Mosaic and Debtsys

To apply for the Debt Recovery Team Leader position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience.