Collections Manager

DWF; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Based in our Manchester office, DWF is seeking a Collections Manager to lead the Credit and Collections team, drive cash performance and debt management. The role sits in a hybrid model with three days in the office and offers opportunities to influence senior stakeholders and improve Order-to-Cash processes.

You will develop strategies, oversee recovery activities, and build a high-performing team, working with Partners, Legal Operations and wider business partners.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading Collections/Accounts Receivable teams in a complex organisation.
• Track record of reducing aged debt and improving cash collection.
• Excellent stakeholder management with the ability to influence senior Leaders.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with KPIs and performance metrics.
• Experience leading process improvement or automation initiatives.
• Strong leadership capability with team development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Credit and Collections team, driving cash collection performance and effective debt management.
• Develop and implement collections strategies; oversee recovery activities.
• Collaborate with Partners, Legal Operations and stakeholders; manage escalated accounts.
• Champion operational excellence across the Order-to-Cash function; improve processes and reporting capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Cash collection

Aged debt reduction

Process improvement

Analytics & reporting

Team development

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Tools

Excel

Job description

Why join us?

At DWF, we're transforming the way we deliver finance operations through innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. As our Collections Manager, you'll play a key role in driving cash performance, reducing aged debt, and supporting the continued development of our Order-to-Cash function.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-performing team, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver meaningful change across the business. Based in our Manchester office, you'll work in a hybrid model with three days per week in the office, alongside colleagues committed to delivering excellence and driving results.

Responsibilities

As Collections Manager, you will lead the Credit and Collections team, driving strong cash collection performance and effective debt management across the business. You'll develop and implement collections strategies, oversee recovery activities, reduce aged debt, and support the achievement of working capital targets. Working closely with Partners, Legal Operations teams and wider business stakeholders, you'll resolve complex client issues, manage escalated accounts, and ensure a proactive, commercially focused approach to collections.

You’ll also champion operational excellence across the Order-to-Cash function, identifying opportunities to improve processes, automate manual activities, and enhance reporting capabilities. Alongside maintaining robust governance, compliance and audit readiness, you'll build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influence positive collection outcomes, and support the ongoing development of a high-performing and engaged team.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Proven experience leading Collections, Credit Control, or Accounts Receivable teams within a complex organisation.
• Strong track record of reducing aged debt, improving cash collection performance, and delivering working capital improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and key business partners.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including experience using KPIs and performance metrics to drive results.
• Experience leading process improvement, automation initiatives, or continuous improvement programmes.
• Strong leadership capability with experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.

Desirable

• Experience working within Legal Services, Professional Services, Financial Services, or Insurance environments.
• Professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA or AAT.
• Experience leading digital transformation initiatives, including workflow automation or e-billing solutions.
• Knowledge of Order-to-Cash processes within a shared services or global finance function.
• Experience managing audit requirements, governance frameworks, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Degree qualified in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics or a related discipline.

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About Us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.