Order to Cash Lead

Rhenus SE & Co. KG; Manchester; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhenus SE & Co. KG is seeking an Accounts Receivable lead in the UK to oversee the AR Team within our Shared Services Organisation.

You will manage end-to-end AR processes, ensuring timely debt collection and accurate posting of cash while developing the AR team. The role requires hands-on leadership, regular 1:1s and performance reviews, plus close collaboration with Sales, Operations and Customer Service to optimise cash flow and service levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a hybrid team comprising three UK Market Collectors, one Ireland Market Collector, one Cash Allocation Clerk and one Customer and Vendor Master Data Clerk, conducting regular 1:1s, performance reviews, objective setting, development discussions and team meetings.
• Act as a hands-on leader, providing operational support and cover during annual leave, absence and peak workload periods to ensure service continuity across Collections, Cash Allocation and Master Data activities.
• Manage team resources, workload allocation, wellbeing and hybrid working arrangements to maintain high levels of performance, engagement and customer service.
• Lead collection activities across the UK and Ireland customer portfolios, ensuring cash collection, overdue debt and DSO targets are achieved.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex disputes, payment issues, high-risk accounts, payment plans and customer negotiations, working closely with Sales, Commercial, Operations and Customer Service teams to resolve issues and improve customer outcomes.
• Own legal recovery and insolvency activities, including management of debt collection agencies, solicitors and insolvency practitioners, whilst overseeing claims, proof of debt submissions, recoveries, bad debt exposure and write-off recommendations.
• Oversee the timely and accurate allocation of customer receipts, ensuring unapplied cash is minimised and allocation controls are maintained.
• Oversee customer and vendor master data processes, ensuring data integrity, appropriate approvals, compliance with internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Own the weekly, monthly and ad hoc OTC reporting cycle, ensuring all reports are accurate, quality checked, distributed on time and accompanied by meaningful commentary, analysis, risks and recommended actions.
• Present performance trends, risks, opportunities and corrective actions to the Transactional Finance Manager and other key stakeholders.
• Maintain effective financial controls, documented procedures and audit readiness across the OTC function.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for standardisation, automation, process simplification and operational efficiency.
• Support wider Shared Services, Finance transformation and business change initiatives, together with any other duties appropriate to the role.

Job description

At Rhenus, we believe everyone plays a crucial role and our people are the cornerstone of our success. By contributing your unique strengths and your dedication, you help shape our collective impact on the global stage.

We value practical solutions and quick decisions, empowering you to take ownership and make a difference. By turning fresh ideas into reality we embrace change and provide you the opportunity to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit.

Recognised as a top employer, and united by a common goal, we are committed to fostering a workplace cul ture that embraces diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration. We empower each other to drive growth and success.

The future isn’t just built by the company - it’s shaped by each of us, working together. Join our Rhenus community to make an impact, and grow alongside a team of passionate people who are dedicated to making a difference. #empoweredbyyou

We're looking for an Accounts Receivable lead who will be responsible for overseeing the Accounts Receivable Team within our Shared Services Organisation. The role ensures the effective management of the company’s AR processes, including the timely collection of outstanding debts, the accurate and timely posting of cash and the management and development of the AR Team.

The AR Lead will conduct regular 121s, performance reviews, and other associated people processes, providing leadership and guidance as well as developing and implementing best practices to improve results, efficiency, and effectiveness within the AR process.

Relationships will be key in this role and there will be an expectation to attend stakeholder meetings and work with the various Business units to ensure that a high level of service is provided to our clients.

Main Duties

• Lead, coach and develop a hybrid team comprising three UK Market Collectors, one Ireland Market Collector, one Cash Allocation Clerk and one Customer and Vendor Master Data Clerk, conducting regular 1:1s, performance reviews, objective setting, development discussions and team meetings.
• Act as a hands-on leader, providing operational support and cover during annual leave, absence and peak workload periods to ensure service continuity across Collections, Cash Allocation and Master Data activities.
• Manage team resources, workload allocation, wellbeing and hybrid working arrangements to maintain high levels of performance, engagement and customer service.
• Lead collection activities across the UK and Ireland customer portfolios, ensuring cash collection, overdue debt and DSO targets are achieved.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex disputes, payment issues, high-risk accounts, payment plans and customer negotiations, working closely with Sales, Commercial, Operations and Customer Service teams to resolve issues and improve customer outcomes.
• Own legal recovery and insolvency activities, including management of debt collection agencies, solicitors and insolvency practitioners, whilst overseeing claims, proof of debt submissions, recoveries, bad debt exposure and write-off recommendations.
• Oversee the timely and accurate allocation of customer receipts, ensuring unapplied cash is minimised and allocation controls are maintained.
• Oversee customer and vendor master data processes, ensuring data integrity, appropriate approvals, compliance with internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Own the weekly, monthly and ad hoc OTC reporting cycle, ensuring all reports are accurate, quality checked, distributed on time and accompanied by meaningful commentary, analysis, risks and recommended actions.
• Present performance trends, risks, opportunities and corrective actions to the Transactional Finance Manager and other key stakeholders.
• Maintain effective financial controls, documented procedures and audit readiness across the OTC function.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for standardisation, automation, process simplification and operational efficiency.
• Support wider Shared Services, Finance transformation and business change initiatives, together with any other duties appropriate to the role.