Collections Strategist

This is a dynamic role that involves designing and executing collections strategies to optimize recoveries while maintaining a strong risk governance framework.

The successful candidate will be responsible for collaborating with regional and country teams to drive performance improvements, enhance digital and data-driven collection capabilities, and align strategies with business objectives.

They will also ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry best practices while fostering a high-performance culture within the collections function.

• Develop and implement a global collections strategy tailored to the SME segment, balancing risk mitigation and business growth.
• Leverage data analytics, AI, and digital solutions to enhance collection efficiency and improve recovery rates.
• Align collection strategies with broader organizational goals, including risk transformation, cost optimization, and customer experience improvements.
• Drive continuous innovation in collections processes by integrating market best practices and emerging technologies.

• Partner with regional and country business leaders to optimize collections performance across diverse SME portfolios.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior management on collections trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure collections strategies align with customer-centric approaches while maximizing recoveries.
• Drive digital and automation initiatives to reduce manual effort and improve effectiveness.

• Design and standardize collections processes to improve efficiency, reduce operational risks, and enhance customer engagement.
• Optimize segmentation, contact strategies, and channel effectiveness (e.g., SMS, email, call center, legal actions).
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track collections performance, ensuring timely interventions where necessary.
• Enhance early warning indicators and predictive modelling to improve risk-based collections decision-making

• The ability to identify, assess, monitor, control and mitigate risks, identify key issues based on Operational Risk Framework and put in place appropriate controls and measures.
• Ensure adherence to credit risk policies, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards.
• Conduct regular portfolio reviews to assess risk exposure and recommend proactive measures.

• To ensure that all collection activities are carried out in compliance with the agreed standards and with due recognition of the regulatory guidelines within the country, Group Collections and the overall OR framework.
• To ensure good control mechanisms are in place by at least quarterly governance forum with Team Leads and to ensure satisfactory audit clearance.
• To support the regular submission for CST, KCI, etc. Immediately highlight gaps or breaches identified to appropriate department or management. Ensure agreements are reviewed periodically as required by the process standards.
• Work with GIA & Country teams to ensure that conduct of Internal Audits & Peer Reviews are undertaken seamlessly & identified issues are resolved timely.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in collections strategy, recovery management, NPL Sales, or related areas, with a strong focus on global or multi-market environments. Knowledge of Business Banking segment preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in leveraging data to drive insights and decision-making.

• Ability to develop dashboards and usage of relevant tools. SAS/SQL knowledge preferred.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Deep understanding about collection strategy and banking operations.