At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Recovery Team to maximise income collection and support vulnerable customers.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a top-performing local authority in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, a local government pension, and free gym access.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Local Taxation and strong management skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 51357 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a Recovery Manager to join our Recovery Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full‑time, permanent basis. As Recovery Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for the Council's income recovery operations, maximising collection of Council Tax, Business Rates, Adult Social Care Debt, and Sundry Debt. You'll oversee a team of 14, support in managing a £500k staff budget, and drive recovery strategies that contribute to approximately £220m in annual collections. This role requires decisive action on debt recovery, robust representation at Magistrates Court liability order hearings, and effective collaboration with enforcement agents, internal stakeholders, and external partners. You'll plan and monitor service performance while ensuring compliance with statutory duties and supporting vulnerable customers with appropriate welfare advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Recovery Team to ensure efficient, effective operational delivery.
- Work with the Service Manager – Revenues & Recovery to set objectives and monitor KPIs.
- Contribute to policy and procedure development.
- Ensure staff training and professional development.
- Make informed decisions on recovery strategies to maximise income.
- Produce and interpret performance data and reports.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships internally and externally.
- Maintain timely and accurate workflow following the recovery timetable.
- Support and guide Senior Recovery Officers, empowering them to lead confidently.
Candidate Requirements
- Extensive experience in Local Taxation and Sundry Debt recovery.
- Strong understanding of relevant legislation and best practice.
- Confident, inspiring manager with proven leadership and development skills.
- Ability to manage conflicting priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strategic thinker who plans ahead and drives meaningful change.
- IRRV qualification desirable but not essential.
Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week.
- Employee Assistance Programme – Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline.
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines.
- Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes.
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts – Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more.
- Move through Menopause Course.
- Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more.
- Learning & Development Opportunities.
- Employee Networks.
- And more!
Our Area
Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. The area comprises a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high‑performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Contact & Application
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, contact Becky Mortimer‑Browne, Service Manager – Revenues & Recovery at Becky.Mortimer-Browne@wokingham.gov.uk (strictly no agencies). Please apply online via the link provided. We do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. All offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks. We will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
Recovery Manager in Wokingham employer: Children's Social Care, Wokingham
Contact Detail:
Children's Social Care, Wokingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Recovery Manager in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or recovery sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Wokingham Borough Council's recent projects and challenges in income recovery. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in local taxation and debt recovery. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges and led teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Wokingham Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Recovery Manager in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in local taxation and debt recovery. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Recovery Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills: As a Recovery Manager, you’ll be leading a team, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past, and how you plan to do the same here at Wokingham Borough Council.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the online application form, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured answers that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the only way we accept applications, and it ensures your details are processed correctly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Social Care, Wokingham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on local taxation and sundry debt recovery. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and best practices, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Recovery Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams before, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as this is key for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific recovery scenarios or conflicts. Think about past experiences where you made informed decisions on recovery strategies and be ready to share those stories. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team dynamics and recovery strategies at Wokingham Borough Council. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.