At a Glance
- Tasks: Help customers manage their energy bills while maximising cash collections and minimising bad debt.
- Company: Join Ecotricity, Britain's greenest energy company with a mission for sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy healthcare, generous pension, hybrid working, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by supporting customers in financial difficulty with kindness and fairness.
- Qualifications: Strong customer service skills and resilience; experience in collections is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 25550 - 27518 £ per year.
Working within Ecotricity’s Debt Management Department, the objective of this position is to maximise cash collections and minimise bad debt through excellent customer service and effective debt recovery processes. We have the challenging task of balancing the needs of our customers with our needs as a business, all within a regulatory framework shaped by quality, compliance, and a drive for exceptional customer service. We aim to support our customers struggling with their energy bills back to financial health by being patient, kind and fair. We try and resolve all manner of complex queries, providing opportunities within the team to take on greater ownership. There’s a lot to learn in this role in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Every day we will come across problems we’ve not seen before and will have to look for creative and practical solutions. This role helps to build knowledge and encourages development.
In addition to the core responsibilities, you may be responsible for undertaking other project-based work as the need arises from across Ecotricity group – all aimed at delivering a high and consistent quality of service to Ecotricity customers.
Core responsibilities:
- Engage with customers in financial difficulty, communicating with passion across inbound and outbound calls, email and app contact.
- Take payments and negotiate affordable repayment options with customers and their representatives to get the best possible outcome for the customer and the Company.
- Quickly understand the root cause of customer contact, taking ownership for solving queries (which can be both sensitive and complex in nature) first time by working with other departments.
- Process, cleanse and format data and update systems and records accurately, including external industry bodies.
- Adhere to industry compliance and regulations such as the Data Protection Act, Vulnerability Commitment, etc.
- Take ownership for personal and team success by effectively managing your time.
- Identify and implement continuous improvements in ways of working within the team and customer service experience.
- Take accountability for your own development using the development tools and support provided.
- Coach your teammates or colleagues from other departments in areas where you have a deeper level of debt knowledge helping to enhance the overall knowledge across the team and the Company.
- Complete any other ad-hoc duties as requested by Manager or Head of Department.
The team is open six days a week from 8:30am - 6.00pm, therefore Saturday work is required on a rota basis. For this role, you'll need to be based within a reasonable distance and able to travel to our office in Stroud, Gloucestershire as the role requires a weekly office presence, in line with the agreed hybrid working rota.
Salary: £25,550 - £27,518 DoE and £2,500 OTE
About You
Essential skills:
- Excellent and professional customer interaction/telephony skills delivering high level of customer service in either face to face or office-based roles.
- Collections and energy industry experience desirable but not essential.
- Experience of using multiple IT systems simultaneously with good computer literacy (including Microsoft Office software packages).
- High level of resilience and positivity managing change in an ever-evolving energy market whilst providing support and reassuring advice to our customers who are facing financial challenges.
- Enjoys working with others, building rapport with customers and colleagues but also thrives independently.
- Able to listen, speak and write confidently and with great attention to detail.
- Takes ownership of complex issues, can work with customers or colleagues to find solutions and deliver them in a friendly and timely manner.
About Us
What's in it for you... Healthcare plan, life assurance and generous pension contribution, Volunteering Day, Hybrid Working, Various company discounts (including shops, gyms, days out and events), Holiday of 25 days (plus bank holidays) & ability to buy/sell days, Cycle to work scheme, car pooling and onsite parking available. As a valued member of the team, you will be supporting the Group Environmental Policy and its associated sustainability objectives and targets.
Flexibility Statement: The fast moving nature of the business means that from time to time you may be asked to perform duties or tasks outside of your original job description on an ad hoc basis. This allows the company to utilise our people in the best possible way at all times and helps our colleagues to make the best contribution in a changing environment.
Ecotricity is Britain's overall greenest energy company- it’s more than just green energy – the breadth and depth of our work on green issues is unmatched. When we started back in 1995, we were the first company in the world to provide a new kind of electricity - the green kind. Our mission was, and remains, to change the way energy is made and used in Britain - by replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy. We don't just supply green energy, we use the money from our customers' bills to make it ourselves too – we have built windmills and sun parks in Britain. We call this turning 'bills into mills'. We don't just focus on energy though- we built the Electric Highway, Britain's leading network of electric vehicle charging points; we helped Forest Green Rovers become the greenest football club in the world; and we launched Britain's greenest mobile phone service, Ecotalk, where they use the money from their customers' bills to protect and regenerate Britain's lost rainforests. Ecotricity is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing equality for all.
Collections Specialist in Stroud employer: Ecotricity Jobs
Ecotricity is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth within a supportive and dynamic work environment. Located in Stroud, Gloucestershire, we offer a range of benefits including a healthcare plan, generous pension contributions, and opportunities for hybrid working, all while fostering a culture of sustainability and community engagement. Join us to make a meaningful impact as you help customers navigate their financial challenges with compassion and expertise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Specialist in Stroud
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Ecotricity's mission and values, especially their commitment to sustainability. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about engaging with customers, try role-playing different scenarios with a friend. Focus on how to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you tackled complex issues. Highlight how you took ownership and found creative solutions, as this is key for the Collections Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Ecotricity team.
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Specialist in Stroud
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Customer Service Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight any experience you have in customer service. We want to see how you've engaged with customers, especially in challenging situations. Remember, this role is all about balancing customer needs with business goals!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, showing us your ability to communicate effectively.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities:We love candidates who can think on their feet! Share examples of how you've tackled complex issues in the past. This will show us that you're ready for the fast-paced environment we work in and can come up with creative solutions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Ecotricity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ecotricity Jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Ecotricity's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to customer service, especially how they support customers facing financial difficulties. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and align with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Collections Specialist, you'll need to communicate effectively with customers. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might encounter, such as negotiating payment plans or addressing complex queries, to demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive conversations.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully resolved complex issues. Think about times when you had to think creatively to find solutions. This will highlight your resilience and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask questions that show your interest in the team and the company. Inquire about the challenges the Debt Management Department faces or how they measure success in customer interactions. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
