Collections Team Leader

Why join us? At DWF, we're looking for an inspiring and commercially minded Collections Team Leader to lead a high-performing credit and collections function. Based in our Manchester office on a hybrid basis (3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely), this is an opportunity to drive cash performance, reduce aged debt, and influence strategic business outcomes across a complex professional services environment. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, lead and develop a talented team, and play a key role in shaping process improvement and operational excellence within a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities As Collections Team Leader, you'll lead the day-to-day performance and development of the collections team, ensuring effective debt management, cash collection, and credit risk controls. You'll implement structured credit management frameworks, drive proactive collections strategies, support working capital improvements, and work closely with Partners, Legal Operations teams, and key stakeholders to resolve complex client issues. You'll also support credit risk management activities, including exposure monitoring, credit limit recommendations, governance, and portfolio reporting. Alongside operational leadership, you'll champion process improvement and digital transformation initiatives across the Order-to-Cash function. You'll drive the use of automation, reporting, and performance metrics to improve efficiency and customer experience while ensuring compliance with audit, regulatory, and governance requirements. As a trusted business partner, you'll influence stakeholders at all levels, support strategic projects, and contribute to achieving the firm's cash flow and working capital objectives. What will help you succeed in this role? Essential

• Proven experience leading credit control, collections, or accounts receivable teams within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of credit risk management, collections strategy, cashflow optimisation, and aged debt reduction.
• Demonstrable experience delivering performance improvements through KPIs, SLAs, reporting, and cash collection initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior business leaders and operational teams.
• Experience driving process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with strong analytical and data interpretation capabilities. Desirable
• Experience within legal, insurance, professional services, or other highly matrixed business environments.
• Professional finance qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or AAT, or working towards qualification.
• Experience supporting credit governance frameworks, risk assessments, and compliance activities.
• Knowledge of digital transformation tools including workflow automation, RPA, e-billing, or analytics platforms.
• Experience leading teams through change and embedding continuous improvement initiatives. What we offer? We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF. About Us DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.