At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead credit control strategies and manage cash collection for a dynamic business.
- Company: Join Wave, a leading water retailer with a focus on sustainability and customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values employee wellbeing and continuous development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role while promoting a positive customer experience.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in credit control and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70667 - 70667 £ per year.
Location: Contractual base in Salvus House, Durham with hybrid working opportunities
Salary Range from: £70,667 pa plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 12% of annual salary
Job Level: B
Reporting to: Chief Finance Officer
We want our people to have a great work-life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
ABOUT US
Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non-household water market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses lower water use, be more water efficient and reduce costs – all which helped us earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023, and celebrate the win again in 2025, where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value and sustainability as well as our market-leading customer service. Our vision is to be the most customer-focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do, making a positive difference to the environment and society.
The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development, one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you’d be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you and we give great things back.
THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL
As our Head of Credit Control, you’ll lead the strategy and delivery of debt prevention, credit risk management and cash collection across the business. This is a highly visible leadership role where you’ll balance long-term strategic thinking with hands-on operational decision-making, helping to protect business performance while ensuring customers are treated fairly and positively. Leading both internal teams and external partners, you’ll drive continuous improvement, influence senior stakeholders across the organisation and create a high-performing, inclusive culture focused on delivering the best outcomes for both our customers and the business.
WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
No two days are the same, but you can expect to spend your time shaping and delivering credit control strategies, reviewing debt performance and identifying opportunities to reduce arrears and improve cash collection. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, Finance, Operations, Digital and Customer teams to tackle the root causes of debt, improve customer journeys and implement effective risk mitigation plans. Alongside leading and developing your team, you'll monitor the performance of outsourced partners, use data and insight to make informed decisions, present performance updates to senior stakeholders and ensure the right balance between commercial outcomes, customer experience and operational efficiency.
WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?
We're looking for an experienced and inspiring leader with a proven track record of developing and delivering successful credit control and debt management strategies. You'll bring strong commercial awareness, excellent analytical skills and the ability to turn complex data into clear actions and results. Confident influencing stakeholders at all levels, you’ll be equally comfortable presenting strategic recommendations to executives as you are supporting teams through operational change. Most importantly, you'll be passionate about developing people, driving continuous improvement and creating an inclusive, customer-focused culture that delivers lasting business impact.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
- Bonus potential
- Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks - high street savings (fashion retailers, supermarkets and restaurants), discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes
- Income protection scheme
- Personal accident insurance
- 4x salary life assurance
- Free onsite parking
Time off
- 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
- A day off for your birthday
- Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- The option to buy holidays
- 1 day paid volunteering
Wellbeing
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Free flu shots
Family Friendly
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
- We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to both you and your family
Please refer to the essential criteria in the job description as this is what you will be shortlisted against.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please ensure you attach your CV and a covering letter so we can get to know more about your skills and experience and why you are suitable for this role. We will not be able to consider applications without a covering letter.
Closing date: 4pm on 15 July
First stage telephone interview planned W/c 20 July
In person interviews are planned for W/c 27 July
Wave is committed to making a positive difference to the environment and society in which it operates. If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.
BE YOURSELF – OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER
Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity, or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk.
Wave processes your data in line with data protection laws. You can find out more by accessing our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
Head of Credit and Collections in Durham employer: Wave Utilities
Wave is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering a hybrid working model and flexible hours. With a strong commitment to continuous learning and development, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while enjoying generous benefits such as an excellent pension scheme, bonus potential, and enhanced family-friendly policies. Located in Durham, Wave fosters a culture of inclusivity and social responsibility, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Credit and Collections in Durham
✨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 Wave Utilities. 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 Credit and Collections in Durham
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 Wave Utilities.
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 Wave Utilities'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 Wave Utilities
✨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 Wave Utilities.
✨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 Wave Utilities 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 Wave Utilities 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.
