Manager - Debt Recovery Unit (dru)

About the Role

• We are seeking a proactive, results-oriented and experienced Manager - Debt Recovery Unit to lead and oversee the organization's debt recovery operations.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining effective debt recovery strategies, managing the recovery portfolio, overseeing asset repossession and disposal processes, and ensuring compliance with the Company's policies and applicable laws. The role aims to improve portfolio quality, reduce the Portfolio at Risk (PAR) and maximize loan recoveries.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

• Monitor and manage all accounts under the Debt Recovery Unit to optimise portfolio performance and improve recoveries.
• Maintain consistent and professional engagement with clients in arrears and their guarantors to facilitate timely repayment.
• Monitor recovery progress and ensure appropriate follow-up on outstanding loan obligations.
• Prepare and submit weekly reports on the overall health and performance of the recovery portfolio.
• Initiate repossession instructions for assets securing accounts that remain in default, ensuring compliance with established procedures and applicable laws.

Asset Repossession and Disposal

• Oversee the repossession and disposal of assets belonging to clients who fail to regularise their loan accounts within the timelines stipulated in the Credit Policy.
• Ensure proper communication with clients regarding outstanding balances and any shortfalls arising from asset disposal.
• Authorise the release of repossessed motor vehicles upon confirmation of the required payments and fulfilment of applicable conditions.
• Ensure statutory and contractual notices relating to land-secured accounts in default are duly issued before initiating the disposal process.
• Coordinate land disposal processes upon obtaining the necessary management approvals.

Service Provider Management

• Ensure fair and transparent allocation of repossession instructions among appointed auctioneers.
• Review and verify invoices submitted by auctioneers and storage yards to ensure accuracy and supporting documentation.
• Oversee service provider payment processes and prepare monthly reports of invoices received for submission to the Head of Credit by the 5th of each month.
• Monitor service provider performance and ensure adherence to agreed service standards.

Legal Support and Compliance

• Liaise with the Legal Department on debt recovery matters requiring legal intervention.
• Maintain an updated record of accounts under the Debt Recovery Unit that have ongoing court proceedings.
• Monitor the progress of legal recovery cases and facilitate timely follow-up with the relevant parties.
• Ensure debt recovery, repossession and disposal activities comply with the Company's policies and applicable legal requirements.

Reporting and Performance Management

• Prepare and submit accurate weekly and monthly debt recovery reports to Management.
• Analyse portfolio performance and identify emerging recovery challenges, trends and opportunities.
• Recommend appropriate strategies to enhance recovery performance and reduce PAR.
• Provide regular updates to Management to support informed decision-making.

Customer Service

• Ensure timely and professional resolution of customer queries and complaints relating to debt recovery.
• Maintain positive working relationships with clients, internal stakeholders and external service providers.
• Ensure prompt support and feedback to internal customers on debt recovery-related matters.

People Management

• Provide leadership, guidance and supervision to members of the Debt Recovery Unit.
• Ensure team members deliver on their respective roles and performance targets.
• Monitor team performance and promote accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Credit Management or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of proven management experience in debt recovery.
• Demonstrated experience in managing loan recovery portfolios, improving recovery rates and reducing Portfolio at Risk (PAR).
• Proven experience in asset repossession, asset disposal and management of external service providers, including auctioneers.
• Experience in team leadership, performance management and strategic debt recovery planning.
• Good understanding of applicable debt collection, repossession and asset disposal laws and regulations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial analysis and report preparation.
• Professional certification in Credit Management, Finance, Accounting or a related field will be an added advantage.