Full-Time Head of Recoveries & Collections | DataTech Recruitment
Job Description
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DataTech Recruitment Vacancies – Head of Recoveries & Collections
Job Type: Full Time Job
Company: DataTech Recruitment
Job Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Head of Recoveries & Collections
We are currently partnering with a technology-led financial services business in Johannesburg to appoint a strategic Head of Recoveries & Collections. If your career has been defined by moving beyond traditional debt collection to building intelligent, data-driven systems that recover capital while preserving customer trust, this is an ideal opportunity.
Our client operates with a significant loan book and is looking for a leader to own their entire recoveries strategy. This is not a traditional call center management role; you will be responsible for the full lifecycle—from the predictive data models that forecast repayment behavior to the digital payment journeys, WhatsApp bots, and automated diallers that prioritize a seamless customer experience.
Reporting directly to the Chief Data and Optimisation Officer at the executive level, you will lead a team of managers and operations specialists. This is a mandate to build and innovate, transforming the recoveries function into a commercial engine. You will work extensively with predictive modeling, champion-challenger testing, BI tools like Power BI or Tableau, and a diverse stack of omnichannel engagement platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the comprehensive collections, tracing, and recoveries strategy, taking full ownership of portfolio health, revenue, and recovery targets.
- Oversee both internal and outsourced recovery operations, maintaining rigorous oversight of recovery rates, cure rates, right-party contact ratios, and cost-to-collect.
- Leverage advanced segmentation and predictive analytics to refine recovery techniques, moving away from aggressive tactics toward optimized, data-backed engagement.
- Spearhead the design of digital-first customer journeys, integrating SMS, WhatsApp, chatbots, and self-service portals.
- Optimize DebiCheck, NAEDO, and strike-date strategies to minimize debit failures and maximize payment success.
- Manage departmental budgets, lead vendor contract negotiations, and drive commercial performance.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for senior clients and represent the recoveries division in high-level governance forums.
- Ensure the function remains fully compliant, ethical, and audit-ready across all channels.
- Mentor and scale a high-performing recoveries team, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
Requirements and Qualifications
- A degree in Commerce, Finance, Business Management, Credit Management, or a related field (a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Finance, or Risk is highly advantageous).
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in collections, recoveries, credit risk, or portfolio management, with at least 5 to 7 years in senior leadership overseeing large-scale operations.
- A proven track record of implementing successful recovery strategies that have delivered measurable improvements to portfolio performance.
- In-depth experience with digital-first collections, CRM campaign management, and payment optimization tools such as DebiCheck and NAEDO.
- Advanced analytical capabilities, including expertise in segmentation, predictive modeling, and BI dashboarding, with the ability to translate data into actionable business decisions.
- Demonstrated proficiency in managing large budgets, complex vendor relationships, and high-stakes stakeholder communications.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory landscape governing collections, payments, and data privacy.
- Prior experience within fintech, digital lending, or a credit bureau environment will be viewed as a strong advantage.
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