Debt Recovery Team Leader

Debt Recovery Team Leader\n\nRate of pay: £25.57 PAYE / £33.67 Umbrella per hour\n2x positions available \nJob Type: Temporary (until 18/09/2026, with possible extension)\nLocation: 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.\n\nDay-to-Day Responsibilities\n\nManage the recovery of one or more debt portfolios, ensuring timely, consistent and effective collection activity\nLead, motivate and develop a team of up to 15 Debt Recovery Officers, driving performance through coaching, mentoring and supervision\nSet, monitor and review individual and team recovery targets, addressing underperformance where required\nImplement operational plans aligned to the Debt Recovery Strategy to maximise income and minimise bad debt\nEnsure all recovery actions comply with relevant legislation, regulations and internal policies\nApply appropriate recovery methods and ensure sustainable repayment arrangements are agreed\nAnalyse performance data and exception reports, identifying trends and implementing improvements\nPresent clear, data-driven insights to stakeholders to support decision making\nWork collaboratively across departments and with external partners to remove barriers and improve recovery outcomes\nMaintain strong knowledge of debt recovery legislation, processes and best practice\nManage staffing matters in line with corporate policies including performance, conduct and attendance\nEnsure high standards of customer service, professionalism and safeguarding practicesRequired Skills & Experience\n\nProven experience within a local authority or public sector debt recovery environment\nStrong knowledge of debt recovery processes, including legal and court procedures\nUnderstanding of legislation relating to Housing Benefit Overpayments, Adult Social Care and/or Sundry Debt\nExperience managing and leading teams, with the ability to drive performance and deliver results\nAbility to analyse complex data, legislation and financial information to inform decisions\nStrong problem-solving skills with sound judgement and decision-making capability\nExcellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines\nConfident communicator, able to present complex information clearly to a range of stakeholders\nExperience developing staff through coaching, training and performance management\nAbility to work collaboratively across services and with external partnersDesirable\n\nExperience 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