Manager - Risk Collections

SUMMARY:
Are you a strategic thinker with a sharp eye for debt recovery and team leadership?

POSITION INFO:
Our client is recruiting a Manager: Risk Collections to lead their internal collections team and oversee relationships with key external partners in the recovery ecosystem.

This is a pivotal role where you will drive collections performance, optimise recovery strategies, and maintain compliance with regulatory frameworks – all while preserving positive client relationships.

This role is based in Bruma, Johannesburg East.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of internal collections specialists.
• Design and implement collections strategies that align with business goals and regulatory standards.
• Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly performance targets, ensuring maximum recovery of outstanding debt.
• Assess broken PTP (Promise to Pay) accounts and recommend suitable actions aligned with company policy.
• Liaise with customers professionally to negotiate settlements and manage disputes to maintain service excellence.
• Work closely with departments such as Legal, Claims and Customer Service to resolve complex recovery cases.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness in collections documentation and reporting.
• Manage relationships with external debt collectors (EDCs), ferriers, and third-party administrators to optimise outsourced collections.
• Audit EDC performance against SLAs and ensure compliance with the Debt Collectors Act.
• Handle settlement proposals, manage write-offs, and ensure sound risk administration practices.
• Drive continuous improvement in call quality and customer interaction across the team.
• Provide accurate and timely reports to senior management and assist with executive-level tasks when required.

Requirements:

• Relevant qualification in Finance/Risk Management.
• Proven experience in a senior collections or risk recovery role, with exposure to both internal teams and third-party collections.
• Strong leadership, communication and conflict resolution skills.
• In-depth knowledge of collections legislation, including the Debt Collectors Act.
• Analytical mindset with experience in reporting, systems management (e.g. Excalibur), and collections performance optimisation.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple stakeholder relationships effectively.