About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Legal and Collections Manager to take a lead role in managing the recovery of outstanding commercial debt. You will be responsible for handling high-value and aged accounts, overseeing the full lifecycle of debt recovery—from pre-legal collections through to litigation—and representing the company in County Court proceedings. This is a key position within the business, ensuring robust debt recovery processes and minimising financial risk from unpaid commercial accounts.
Key Responsibilities
● Debt Recovery & Negotiation
○ Proactively manage and chase outstanding commercial debt in line with internal policies and credit control procedures.
○ Negotiate payment plans, settlements, and dispute resolutions directly with customers or their legal representatives.
○ Identify and escalate high-risk accounts or repeat offenders.
● Legal Proceedings & Case Management
○ Initiate and manage court proceedings against non-paying commercial customers.
○ Prepare legal documentation including Letters Before Action (LBAs), Claim Forms, Witness Statements, and Costs Schedules.
○ Oversee the progression of cases through the civil court system, including Small Claims, Fast Track, and Multi-Track as appropriate.
● Court Representation
○ Act as an advocate for the company in County Court hearings, including preliminary hearings, case management conferences, and trials where permitted under the Lay Representative rules.
○ Liaise with external solicitors or counsel as needed for complex or high-value matters.
● Stakeholder Reporting & Compliance
○ Maintain accurate records of debt recovery actions and outcomes using internal systems.
○ Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on litigation status, recovery rates, and case outcomes.
○ Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, including the Civil Procedure Rules, Data Protection legislation, and industry regulations.
● Process Improvement & Risk Management
○ Recommend improvements to internal debt recovery processes and legal strategies. ○ Work closely with commercial and finance teams to identify root causes of debt and reduce future credit risk.
Skills & Experience Required
● Proven experience in commercial debt recovery and litigation, preferably within the utility or energy sector.
● Strong working knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules and experience handling County Court claims.
● Confident in drafting legal documents and managing files through to enforcement where necessary.
● Excellent negotiation and communication skills with the ability to manage difficult conversations.
● Experience in court advocacy is strongly preferred (e.g. Lay Representative under Practice Direction 27A).
● Strong organisational and case management skills, with attention to detail.
● Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management or collections systems (e.g., SAP, Experian, or similar).
● Legal qualification (e.g. LPC, CILEX, or equivalent) is desirable but not essential. What We Offer
● Competitive salary based on experience
● Performance-related bonus
● Pension scheme
● Career development opportunities
Join us in helping to drive financial responsibility, reduce risk, and protect the integrity of our operations.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person