Specialist Legal Recoveries (On & Off Balance Sheet) - Johannesburg at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The Specialist Legal Recoveries On and Off Balance Sheet needs to have a deep understanding, identify, manage/mitigate risks and risk events (incidents) relevant to the role. The specialist must have ability to manage and collaborate effectively with external services providers as well as internal stakeholders. The specialist must be able to apply recoveries strategies that are cost effective and efficient in collection of outstanding bad debt exposure within the Absa Business Banking portfolio.

Job Description

Accountability: Business Management

• Manage the various functions within Legal Recoveries to maximize cost effective recoveries including the following:
• Implement and drive strategies to maximize recoveries to achieve operational targets including prioritization and work schedules.
• Minimize costs through effective use of resources or through selection, negotiation with and direction of appropriate internal and external suppliers.
• Oversee and manage the flow of relevant information to best inform stakeholders as to the status of the portfolio or individual clients within the portfolio
• Rigorously monitor expenditure against approved budgets and put measures in place to address variances.
• Conduct basic statistical analysis to track performance variances and determine root causes. Make recommendations for productivity or process enhancements to process owners.
• Rigorously monitor high exposure clients and conduct meetings with relevant parties to maximize recoveries.
• Ensure a high level of professionalism in all business engagements.
• Take ownership and be solution oriented in dealing with customer requests or queries.
• Ensure effective feedback processes are undertaken to resolve and complete within agreed timelines.
• Escalate any matters that require management attention.

Accountability: People Management Team assistance & Support

• Ensure continuity in support by arranging a back-up in time of absence as well as provide support to other areas (as approved by management).
• Plan and manage direct line manager(s) and team (where applicable) diaries to support planning, business processes and effective time management.
• Prepare for line management meeting attendance in ensuring respective information/documentation (e.g. presentation, pre-reading material) is collated timeously and appropriately.
• Work closely with team members and peers to support business continuity and delivery of a high-performance culture.
• Distribute relevant communication/information impacting team with required follow-up to ensure compliance and meeting of deadlines (e.g. mandatory compliance training, PDs, etc.).
• Record and relay messages for line management and team in their absence.
• Understand the context of business area to provide effective support to stakeholder areas.
• Ensure that the resources and skills within Legal Recoveries are appropriate and comply with the requirements of the business area.
• Develop, mentor and train members of the team, driving performance, efficiency and career development.
• Ensure adherence to Absa values.

Accountability: Stakeholder Management

• Convene meetings with vendors to address performance issues.
• Convene meetings with internal stakeholders to address areas for improvement.
• Attend performance meetings with stakeholders, Alliance & JV partners
• Ensure a high standard of business and professional etiquette is applied when engaging with stakeholders (e.g. written and verbal communication)
• Build and maintain an effective network across organisational disciplines to support business navigation, stakeholder management, communication and problem solving.
• Work closely with team in and out of immediate area to support and leverage off stakeholder areas and drive business performance.
• Build and maintain internal and external networks and relationships to enhance and support business collaboration and opportunities.

Accountability: Risk management

• Implement risk controls as identified from the Risk Control Assessment register.
• Manage risk control items.
• Ensure that reputational risks associated with 3rd party relationships are mitigated through effective Service Level Agreements and the monitoring thereof.

Accountability: Governance

• Ensure adherence to mandates.
• Ensure adherence to documented standards.
• Ensure adherence to processes and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with audit requirements.

Accountability: All other duties as reasonably assigned by Line Management.

Education and experience required

• Matric and/or Higher Certificate in Administration / Banking or equivalent NQF Level 5 qualification.
• 3-5 years banking experience in a similar environment.
• 3-5 years Recoveries/Legal /Commercial litigation experience.

Knowledge and skills:

• Understanding of legal process and practice in SA.
• Understanding of insolvency legislation and practice in SA.
• Recovery strategic knowledge.
• Financial restructuring knowledge.
• Knowledge of risks and controls.
• Adept in Technology. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Sound knowledge of internal systems (e.g. Concur, SAP, Oasis, BCD, etc.) added advantage. 
• Organisational and Administrative skills.

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

End Date: February 3, 2026