Job Advertisement / Recruiting Specification for Collections Manager at LoanCo Zambia
Position Title: Collections Manager – Payroll Lending
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Reports To: CEO, Mr. Osborn Mutengo
Department: Collections and Recovery
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Company Overview: LoanCo Zambia is a microfinance institution specializing in payroll lending across Zambia, with a strong focus on public and private sector employees. We're committed to efficient, ethical lending practices and are expanding our team to support sustainable growth and financial inclusion.
Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Zambian Collections Manager to lead our Lusaka-based collections team. This upper-level role focuses on optimizing collections processes, managing arrears portfolios, and driving recovery rates while ensuring compliance in a regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead the collections department in daily/weekly monitoring and action on arrears loans, categorizing them into new arrears and recycled cases from prior periods, and assigning statuses for every loan in the book to ensure comprehensive tracking.
· Implement and oversee PERIOD 1 (monthly batch processes) and PERIOD 2 (ongoing monthly activities), including repricing partial payments, debit order fallbacks, affordability re-assessments, and multi-channel client communications (SMS, WhatsApp, email, calls).
· Manage decision trees for various arrears scenarios, such as partial payments (>50% or <50%), zero collections, off-payroll cases (e.g., dismissed, deceased), and escalations to write-off or recovery stages.
· Develop strategies for write-off recoveries, including internal tracing, settlements, and partnerships with external debt collectors, while maintaining compliance with BOZ guidelines.
· Utilize our proprietary Loan Management System (LMS) like Credit Ease for arrears tracking, reporting, and automation—full training provided, but prior experience with similar systems is essential for immediate impact.
· Conduct risk assessments on arrears trends, provide continuous feedback to executives on portfolio health (e.g., aging buckets, recovery rates), and train team members on collections best practices.
· Collaborate with Credit, Risk, and Compliance teams to address systemic issues, reduce defaults, and foster a culture of proactive recovery.
· Monitor regulatory changes affecting collections in payroll lending and ensure all activities align with BOZ directives, consumer protection laws, and ethical standards.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
· Zambian National with proven leadership experience in collections, preferably in microfinance, NBFI, banking, or fintech sectors, with a track record of managing arrears portfolios and improving recovery metrics.
· In-depth knowledge of Zambian collections practices, including payroll deductions, affordability calculations, debit orders, and handling off-payroll scenarios under BOZ regulations.
· Experience in process optimization, such as arrears categorization, decision flows, and write-off management, with the ability to implement structured workflows from day one.
· Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; professional qualifications (e.g., credit management or collections certifications) are an advantage.
· Minimum 5–7 years in collections, with at least 2–3 years in a managerial role preferred.
Key Skills and Attributes:
· Proficiency in IT tools: Email, Microsoft Word, advanced Excel (e.g., for dashboards, aging analysis, and performance tracking), and familiarity with LMS or CRM systems.
· Results-oriented with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate a team in a high-pressure environment.
· Ability to work independently while engaging effectively with senior management and group-level stakeholders in Pretoria.
What We Offer:
· Competitive upper-level salary and incentive scheme linked to collections performance (e.g., PAR targets, recovery percentages) (benchmark details below).
· Opportunity to shape a dynamic collections department in a growing payroll lending operation with international group support from Pretoria.
· Professional development, including training on our LMS and industry best practices for arrears management.
· Lusaka-based role contributing to financial inclusion, efficient recoveries, and operational excellence in Zambia.
How to Apply: Send your CV, cover letter, and references to admin@loanco.africa and cc. osborn@loanco.africa, with the subject "Collections Manager Application – Lusaka." Applications close, 15 March 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
