Debt Recovery Manager - 12 month Fixed Term Contract - #1802541

Department: CSG - Business Operations (Audit / Risk / Client Account Management / Finance / People / Procurement / Property and Facilities / Sales and BD / IT)

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Remote - England and Wales

Description

We are seeking an experienced and driven Debt Recovery Manager to lead and optimise the debt recovery team in a fast paced, high volume law firm specialising in insurance law. This critical leadership role will be responsible for managing a team of 18 staff, through two direct report supervisors, and will play a pivotal role in reducing aged debt and improving cash flow across the firm. Reporting into the Head of Finance Service Centre.

One key objective will be to reduce 365+ day debt within the next 12 months, while maintaining robust processes to ensure current debts do not escalate. This role demands a hands-on, strategic leader with excellent Excel and data analysis skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to motivate a large team to deliver measurable results.

What you will do?

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 18 through two experienced supervisors.
• Drive a culture of ownership, accountability, and tenacity within the debt recovery team.
• Monitor and manage team performance, using KPIs and clear targets aligned to business goals.
  
  

Debt Recovery & Reduction

• Proactively manage and prioritise recovery of aged debt, with a clear roadmap to achieve business targets.
• Maintain and improve processes to ensure new debt does not age unnecessarily.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement within the team’s operations.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with senior stakeholders including Partners, Heads of Department, and Client Relationship teams to improve collections.
• Engage constructively with clients to resolve queries and overcome payment barriers.
• Represent the debt recovery team at key finance or operational meetings.
  
  

Data & Reporting

• Use advanced Excel skills to analyse debt data and develop actionable insights and strategies.
• Report on debt trends, team performance, client level debt issues, and improvement plans.
• Maintain accurate records and produce regular dashboards and reports for senior management.
  
  

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the other finance service centre teams, CAM and operational teams to ensure end to end alignment on cash collection.
• Support systems or process improvements.
  
  

Who you are

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing a high-performing debt recovery team.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing supervisors.
• Demonstrated success in reducing aged debt significantly.
• Advanced excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, VLOOKUP, index columns, data analysis).
• Ability to analyse data, extract insights, and turn them into actionable strategies.
• Confident in engaging with senior stakeholders and clients on debt matters.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience in the legal sector or working with professional services firms.
• Familiarity with legal billing systems (e.g. Elite 3E or similar).
• Understanding of SRA Accounts Rules (preferred but not essential).
• CICM qualified or equivalent.
• Experience with E-Billing platforms/collections.
  
  

What's in it for you?

• High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance - https://jobs.dacbeachcroft.com/whats-in-it-for-you/
• A well-rounded remuneration package (which includes private medical insurance, income protection insurance and discounted gym membership, amongst many other benefits)
• Opportunities for growth and progression including professional funding
• In person and remote social events
• Opportunity to get involved in a range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities
  
  

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, which aligns closely to our cultural principles (Determined, Clear, Creative and Supportive). If you are excited about this role and being part of our culture, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!