Debt Recovery Officer
The role
We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Debt Recovery Officer to join our Property Business Team. This is a key role in ensuring the effective recovery of commercial rent, service charges, and insurance premiums across the Council’s commercial and operational portfolio. You will work within a statutory framework, ensuring compliance with legislation such as the Landlord and Tenant Act, Local Government Finance Act, and GDPR.
You will act as the main point of contact for debt recovery matters, liaising with internal teams, external agencies, and professional bodies to safeguard the Council’s interests. This role requires a strong understanding of property management and debt recovery processes, as well as the ability to deliver services that are innovative, customer-focused, and aligned with best practice.
What you’ll be doing:
- Manage a large revenue portfolio and monitor accounts using Council systems.
- Take appropriate recovery action, including recommending legal or bailiff action where necessary.
- Prepare cases for court and issue statutory notices.
- Administer instalment agreements and respond to rent-related enquiries.
- Produce reports and maintain accurate records in line with audit requirements.
- Liaise with internal departments, external contractors, and legal representatives.
- Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement within Southwark Property.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Knowledge of Landlord and Tenant legislation and property management.
- Experience in commercial rent and service charge recovery, debt recovery processes, and litigation.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and work independently.
- Proficiency in using a wide range of IT systems.
- You will also demonstrate a commitment to Equal Opportunities, Valuing Diversity, and Health & Safety policies.
Why Southwark?
Southwark Council is the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market along with many social enterprises and we have a young, diverse, and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities.
Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Additional details
This is a full-time role (36 hours per week) offered on a hybrid basis, with at least 50% of working time based in the office.
Salary range £35,373 - £41,637 per annum.
Employee benefits:
You’ll join a motivated, driven, and supportive team that values each of its members and strives for excellence. You’ll also be part of a successful, high-achieving development team making a real difference to the lives of residents across the borough. In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive:
- A competitive base salary (pro rata for part time staff)
- Strong supportive senior management team
- Regular one to one supervision
- Professional development & training opportunities
- Clear career development pathways
- Agile and flexible working arrangements
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Season ticket and cycle loans
- Annual Leave starting at 27 days per year, increasing to 35 (with length of service) (pro rata for part time staff)
- Wellbeing programme
- HSF Health plan and eye care scheme
- EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support
- Social clubs and staff groups
Disability Confident (guaranteed interview) scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
Recruitment timetable
Closing date: 16th January 2026 at 23:59*
*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role, in which case we will move the key dates for the process. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interview date: 28th or 29th January 2026
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