Head of Credit and Collections (37 hours per week, Permanent)
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 all which helped us proudly earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023. Most recently, we celebrated 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?
Wealth
- Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
- 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
- Personal accident insurance
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
Wellbeing
- Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
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.
For external candidates you can access the job description here.
For internal candidates you can access the job description here.
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 [email protected].
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