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 practicesRequired 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 partnersDesirable

Experience using systems such as Oracle, Northgate (Revenues & Benefits), Mosaic and DebtsysTo apply for the Debt Recovery Team Leader position, please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed