Overview
We’re looking for a DE Head of Collections. iwoca’s Head of Collections (DE) will define how we recover funds while protecting customer relationships and our brand. You will build a best-in-class Collections function, shaping strategy, optimising processes for scale, and using data to improve outcomes. You’ll be a strategic leader who develops the team, drives operational excellence, and ensures Collections supports iwoca’s next phase of growth.
About Us
Imagine a world where every small business has the power to thrive. That\'s the world we\'re building at iwoca. Small businesses aren\'t just statistics – they\'re the heartbeat of our communities, the character of our high streets, and the engine of our economy. Since 2012, we\'ve revolutionised how these businesses access finance, turning what was once a lengthy, frustrating process into something remarkable: funding that\'s fast, flexible, and actually works for modern businesses.
Our impact speaks for itself: we\'ve provided billions in funding to more than 150,000 businesses across Europe, making us one of the continent\'s leading fintech innovators. But we\'re just getting started. Our mission? To empower one million businesses with the financial tools they deserve.
We combine cutting-edge technology and data science with genuine human understanding to make finance feel less like a barrier and more like a superpower. Whether it\'s managing cash flow or seizing unexpected opportunities, we ensure businesses get the funds they need – often within minutes.
Your mission
As DE Head of Collections you will be responsible for:
* Team Leadership & Mentoring: Lead and develop the Collections team, providing clear strategic direction and guidance to help them succeed. Your direct reports will include an experienced Team Lead (Pre-Court Operations) and paralegals, and you will empower them to grow as the team scales.
* Operations Leadership: Build a high-performing, scalable team by defining the staffing model, leading recruitment and hiring, and ensuring an effective onboarding and training programme.
* Policies and Processes: Establish robust policies and processes that enable iwoca to recover debts efficiently while protecting customer outcomes and our brand.
* Systems and Technology: Own all collections-related technology, identifying opportunities to optimise processes, implement new tools, and automate workflows to increase efficiency and scalability.
* Performance Management: Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), using data and analytics to drive operational improvements and strategic decisions.
* Customer Communication Strategy: Design and refine customer communication strategies that maximise recoveries while remaining empathetic and customer-centric.
Requirements
We are looking for someone who is smart, humble, and motivated, and who loves to learn. To be successful in this role, the following ideally applies to you:
* 5–7 years’ experience within a collections function, with 2–5 years managing a small team.
* Deep understanding of collections, litigation, and insolvency processes.
* Track record of improving operational efficiency and leveraging technology.
* Experience defining and managing KPIs, using data to drive business decisions.
* Strong process orientation, with experience improving and scaling collections processes.
* Experience defining and executing customer communication strategies (manual and automated), including crafting effective customer-facing messages.
* Able to balance supporting customers with maximising recoveries, including in pre-court and legal processes, while protecting brand and reputation.
* Hands-on approach to complex cases when required, and comfortable acting as business owner on process or tech improvement projects.
* Strategic and analytical thinker with the ability to identify problems and design innovative, scalable solutions.
* Proactive, curious, tenacious, and willing to turn ideas into measurable impact.
* Excellent German skills and good English, able to collaborate with an international team.
* Comfortable working in a tech-enabled, data-driven environment, and willing to travel to meet and motivate colleagues.
Salary
We expect to pay from €80,000 - €95,000 for this role. But, we’re open-minded, so definitely include your salary goals with your application. We routinely benchmark salaries against market rates and run quarterly performance and salary reviews.
Culture
At iwoca, we look to hire smart, passionate, humble individuals with a growth mindset. We prioritise a culture of learning, growth, and support, and invest in the professional development of our team members. We value thought and skill diversity and encourage you to explore new areas of interest to help us innovate and improve our products and services. Our friendly and inclusive environment, combined with our flexible work policies, ensures that you\'ll have the perfect balance between work and life, empowering you to thrive both personally and professionally.
Offices
We put a lot of effort into making iwoca a brilliant place to work:
* Offices in London, Leeds, Berlin and Frankfurt with plenty of drinks and snacks
* Events and clubs, like bingo, comedy nights, yoga classes, football, etc.
The Benefits
* A varied, fast-paced and challenging working environment
* Flat hierarchies, close collaboration with leadership, and real opportunities to shape and progress
* A smart, fun, international team – over 35 nationalities represented
* Company-wide training with internal and external speakers
* Great office locations – Frankfurt (Fressgass), Berlin (Hackescher Markt), London (Fitzrovia)
* 26 days’ holiday plus public holidays and your birthday off
* “Summer Houses” in Southern Europe and “Winter Houses” in the Alps for team retreats
* Fully stocked kitchens with breakfast items and snacks (healthy and indulgent)
* Career development opportunities
* Share options
* One-month paid sabbatical after four years at iwoca
* Direct access to certified psychologists via our partner OpenUp
* Time off for volunteering
* Unlimited unpaid leave for travel or study
* Learning and development allowance, including a budget for books
* Contribution towards the Deutschlandticket
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