Lead Implementation Manager

Ready to implement your next big move? Great! As Perch Group are now searching for a Lead Implementation Manager to join the team. At Perch Group, our vision is clear: to lead the UK debt purchase and collection industry by harnessing cutting-edge technology to drive ethical, efficient, and data-driven debt resolution. 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.

As the Lead Implementation Manager, you will be responsible for leading the end-to-end implementation of debt purchase portfolios, client onboarding, operational change, and data integration activity across the business. This role combines strong operational knowledge of the debt purchase and collections lifecycle with hands-on technical capability, including strong SQL skills, to support data validation, analysis, reconciliation, and implementation delivery. The successful candidate will act as the bridge between operational teams, technology teams, and external stakeholders, ensuring implementations are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with business, regulatory, and client requirements.

So, what will your day-to-day look like?

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of implementation activity for new debt purchase portfolios, operational migrations, and change initiatives.
• Manage implementation timelines, milestones, risks, dependencies, and governance to ensure successful delivery.
• Work closely with operations, data, legal, compliance, finance, and technology teams to translate business requirements into practical implementation plans.
• Use SQL to interrogate, validate, manipulate, and reconcile large datasets to support portfolio onboarding, strategy deployment, and post-implementation assurance.
• Review and interpret portfolio data files, data dictionaries, and client specifications to ensure accurate mapping and system readiness.
• Support the setup and testing of operational processes within internal systems.
• Identify data quality issues, process gaps, and implementation risks, and drive timely resolution.
• Oversee implementation testing, user acceptance activity, defect resolution, and go-live readiness.
• Provide operational insight into how purchased debt portfolios should be configured, worked, and monitored to achieve business outcomes.
• Produce clear implementation documentation, status updates, governance packs, and post-implementation reviews.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, portfolio sellers, clients, and third-party partners to support smooth delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in implementation processes, controls, and reporting.
• Support junior team members and act as a subject matter lead for implementation best practice, debt purchase operations, and data analysis.

Does this sound like you?

• Proven experience in implementation, change delivery, or operational onboarding within the debt purchase, debt servicing, or collections industry.
• Strong understanding of the debt purchase lifecycle, including portfolio onboarding, account strategy setup, collections operations, and performance monitoring.
• Strong SQL skills with the ability to query and validate large datasets, investigate anomalies, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Experience working with operational and technical teams to deliver system or process change.
• Strong knowledge of data mapping, reconciliation, testing, and implementation controls.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance considerations relevant to debt purchase and collections operations.
• Experience producing implementation documentation, reporting, and governance materials.
• Confident in challenging assumptions, identifying risks, and proposing practical 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 (45 minutes - 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.

Why you should be EXCITED to apply...

• £65,000 - £75,000 DOE + up to 20% of your annual salary, paid as a bonus.
• This role can be based at our Blackpool or Manchester office.
• 37.5 hours per week.
• We offer flexible and hybrid working 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.

So, what are you waiting for? Submit your application today. We’re an equal opportunity 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. If you have any questions or suggestions of how we can assist you in your application due to disability or personal reasons, please email recruitment@perchgroup.co.uk.

PLEASE NOTE - All new employees must undergo a full DBS and Credit Check upon acceptance of a job offer with Perch Group.