Job Description

Team Manager - Pre-legal Collections - Cape TownFull job description: Pre-Legal Collections Team ManagerLocation: South AfricaDepartment: CollectionsReports to: Collections ManagerJob SummaryThe Pre-Legal Collections Team Manager will oversee and manage the pre-legal collections team, ensuring effective recovery of overdue accounts while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will design strategies to improve recovery rates, minimize bad debts, and support the transition of accounts into legal collections when necessary.Key Responsibilities1. Strategy and ManagementDevelop, implement, and manage pre-legal collections strategies to ensure timely recovery of overdue debts.Monitor and analyze portfolio performance and collection efficiency, making data-driven recommendations to improve outcomes.Set and achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual recovery targets.2. Team LeadershipRecruit, train, and mentor the pre-legal collections team to achieve high performance.Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and coaching sessions.Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.3. Compliance and Risk ManagementEnsure all pre-legal collections processes comply with South African laws, including the National Credit Act (NCA) and Debt Collectors Act.Identify and mitigate risks associated with collections activities.Collaborate with internal audit and compliance teams to address potential issues.4. Operational ExcellenceOversee the preparation and issuance of final demand letters and other pre-legal documentation.Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, such as attorneys and debt collection agencies.Implement automation and technology tools to improve the efficiency of the collections process.5. Reporting and AnalysisProvide detailed reports on collection activities, trends, and progress toward goals.Analyze the root causes of delinquency and recommend preventative measures.Work with the finance and legal departments to ensure seamless coordination on accounts transitioning to legal collections.Qualifications and ExperienceEducation: Bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, Law, or a related field.Experience:5+ years of experience in collections, with at least 2 years in a management role.Experience in pre-legal or legal collections within the financial services industry is an advantage.Knowledge:Strong understanding of South African credit and collections laws.Familiarity with debt collection tools and systems.Key SkillsLeadership and team management.Excellent communication and negotiation skills.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.High level of professionalism and ethical standards.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collections management software.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Recovery rate of overdue accounts.Reduction in accounts transitioning to legal collections.Compliance with legal and regulatory standards.Team performance and engagement metrics.Working ConditionsOffice-based with potential travel to attend client meetings or legal proceedings.High-pressure environment requiring the ability to meet strict deadlines.Job Type: Full-timePay: R25 000,00 - R35 000,00 per monthExperience:pre-legal collections: 3 years (Required)collections: 5 years (Preferred)Team Management: 5 years (Required)Work Location: In person

Skills Required