Collections Head

Firstrand Bank India; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial institution in South Africa is seeking a Head of Collections to lead its collections function. This role involves developing strategies to enhance portfolio performance while ensuring compliance with ethical recovery practices. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, extensive experience in collections, strong leadership, and negotiation skills. This position requires a strategic mindset and the ability to manage relationships with external partners.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years' experience in collections.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of credit risk and legal recovery processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the bank's collections strategy.
• Oversee the collections team and recovery agents.
• Negotiate with external recovery agencies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, Business Administration, Law, or related field

Master's degree or professional certification

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Collections to lead our collections function and drive strategic initiatives that enhance portfolio performance, recoveries, and customer engagement.

This role is critical in minimizing credit losses while maintaining the bank's reputation and commitment to ethical recovery practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the bank's collections strategy across all customer segments (retail, SME, and / or corporate).
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems to ensure effective credit recovery.
• Oversee the collections team, including early-stage collections, recovery agents, and legal recovery units.
• Monitor portfolio performance and implement targeted action plans to manage delinquency and non-performing loans (NPLs).
• Collaborate with Credit Risk, Legal, Operations, and Business Units to align collection strategies with overall credit policy.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies in all recovery actions.
• Provide regular reports and insights to executive management on collection performance and risk indicators.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with external recovery agencies and legal partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Business Administration, Law, or related field; Master's degree or professional certification is an advantage.
• Minimum of 8–10 years' experience in collections, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably within banking or financial services.
• Strong knowledge of credit risk, legal recovery processes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional Information

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan.

The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. Candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.