Head of Commercial - Debt Purchase

Perch Group are searching for a Head of Commercial - Debt Purchase. Established in 2016, Perch Group have rapidly grown to become one of the UK’s foremost debt collection groups, overseeing the financial well-being of over a million customers and assets exceeding £1 billion. Our annual mission is to empower hundreds of thousands of customers to positively engage with and resolve their outstanding debts. We do this through an empathetic and customer-centric approach that is at the heart of our success. Perch’s comprehensive platforms offer clients a one-stop shop of market-leading, data-driven services spanning the entire debt lifecycle, including BPO services, debt collection, debt purchase, reconnection, and litigation services.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Commercial - Debt Purchase to lead and scale our commercial operations within the debt purchase sector. This is a management role working with the Commercial Director to own the overall budget/target, strategic partnerships, and key account management. The successful candidate will oversee both commercial and operational client-facing teams, playing a pivotal role in winning new business and managing existing key client relationships across Banking, Financial Services (FS), Retail, Telecommunications (Telco), and Utilities sectors. This role is field-based with regular travel to our Manchester, Skipton, Blackpool, and Client offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Play a key role in developing and delivering the commercial strategy for the debt purchase division, aligned with wider group goals.
• Win new business through proactive prospecting, networking, and engagement with senior decision-makers across target sectors.
• Manage and grow existing key client relationships, ensuring long-term partnership value and high client satisfaction.
• Lead, coach, and support the Business Development Manager and Client Operations Manager, ensuring alignment between commercial growth and operational delivery.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new market opportunities to drive revenue and profitability.
• Represent the company at key industry events, conferences, and high-level client meetings.
• Structure, negotiate, and close complex commercial deals that are commercially sound and compliant.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure smooth onboarding and delivery for both new and existing clients.
• Drive cross-sell opportunities for group services including Contingent Collections, Field Services, and BPO.
• Maintain a high-quality commercial pipeline, ensuring accurate forecasting and reporting through CRM tools.
• Ensure all activities align with industry regulations, internal governance, and risk frameworks.

The Person

Essential

• Substantial experience in a senior commercial or business development role within the debt purchase or wider credit management industry.
• Solid understanding of the compliance and regulatory environment within debt purchase.
• Demonstrated success in winning new business and managing strategic/key accounts.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams, ideally including both sales and operational client functions.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence at C-suite and Board level.
• Proven track record of negotiating and closing large, complex commercial agreements.
• Deep network and sector knowledge in at least two of the following: Banking, Financial Services, Retail, Telco, or Utilities.
• Highly commercially astute with strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel to client sites and regional offices as required.

Desirable

• Experience working with Tier 1 financial institutions or large creditors.
• Exposure to multi-service commercial strategies and integrated solutions.

The Application Timeline

A first stage video call with the internal recruitment team (15 minute call). A face to face or video call with the hiring manager (60 minutes). Typically, the average successful applicant will be within this timeline for 2-3 weeks. Please note we will close this role once we have enough applications for the next stages therefore you should submit your application asap to avoid any disappointment. If you do not receive a response after 3 weeks of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful as we may experience a high volume of applications. If you have any questions or suggestions of how we can assist you in your application due to disability or personal reasons, please email.

What’s In It For You

• 37.5 hours per week.
• We offer flexible working hours between our core hours of 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday.
• The opportunity to complete formal qualifications and learn on the job in a successful, growing organisation.
• And many more benefits to support your wellbeing and professional development.

We are an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status. At Perch, our strength lies in our team, their enthusiasm, and their passion for the business. Whether you’re looking to gain foundational skills in financial services, have a knack for customer service, or seek to expand your horizons, we likely have the perfect opportunity for you.

PLEASE NOTE - As we are a financial services company, we are required to run DBS and Credit Checks on all of our successful candidates. This information MUST be disclosed at the time of your initial screening call should you be invited to interview.