At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a collections function from scratch for a new SME lender.
- Company: Join a pioneering SME business loans lender in London.
- Benefits: Influence the company's growth and create scalable processes.
- Other info: Opportunity for senior visibility and genuine impact on operations.
- Why this job: Shape the future of collections in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Strong collections experience and ability to build frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re supporting a new SME business loans lender as they hire their first Head of Collections based in London. This is a senior, foundational role for someone who can design, implement, and scale a collections function from the ground up as the business grows. You’ll build the entire collections framework, ensuring strong customer outcomes, robust controls, and commercially effective recovery strategies. You’ll work closely with senior leadership and external legal partners to shape the lender’s operational and risk culture during a pivotal growth phase.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and lead the end‑to‑end collections function for an SME lending portfolio.
- Develop collections policies, workflows, and frameworks aligned to UK regulations, industry standards, and commercial objectives.
- Work directly with legal counsel on complex cases, enforcement options, and regulatory interpretation.
- Create scalable processes that evolve as lending volumes increase.
- Manage early‑stage and late‑stage collections activity, balancing customer fairness with portfolio performance.
- Establish MI, reporting, and performance metrics to monitor portfolio health and drive strategic decisions.
- Collaborate with Credit, Risk, Operations, and Compliance to ensure a unified approach to customer management.
- Lead on complex cases, restructures, and recovery strategies.
- Recruit, develop, and manage a collections team as the business expands.
- Contribute to wider operational strategy as part of the senior leadership group.
What You’ll Bring:
- Strong collections experience within SME lending, commercial finance, or higher‑risk credit environments.
- Proven ability to build frameworks, processes, and controls from scratch.
- A commercial mindset with the ability to balance customer outcomes and loan book performance.
- Deep familiarity with UK collections rules, regulations, and legal processes.
- Confidence to sit with lawyers, challenge thinking, and navigate complex or sensitive cases.
- High levels of assertiveness and commercial judgement - able to spot issues early, identify potential fraud, and intervene decisively.
- Experience in fast‑paced, high‑growth or start‑up environments.
- Experience in managing and leading a team.
Why This Role Stands Out:
This is a rare opportunity to join a lender at inception stage and build a collections function your way. You’ll have genuine influence, senior visibility, and the chance to create scalable infrastructure that underpins long‑term growth.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV directly to this listing. Due to the high number of applicants, we’re unable to respond individually.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Collections in City of London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Fintellect Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Collections in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Fintellect Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Fintellect Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fintellect Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Fintellect Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Fintellect Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Fintellect Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
