Job Description

At 1st Central, everything starts with our people.

As one of the UK’s leading motor and home insurers, we use smart technology, data and great service to make insurance fast, fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. We’re proud to create an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to grow - whether that’s developing new skills, taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Do you have strong technical knowledge of vehicle repairs and the confidence to guide customers through their claim?

We’re looking for a Motor Vehicle In-House Engineer to join our Engineering team, based in either Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Salford Quays, Manchester.

In this role you’ll help manage motor claims spend while delivering an exceptional service to customers and colleagues.

Using your technical expertise and market knowledge, you’ll ensure vehicles are repaired safely and cost-effectively to their pre-accident condition, or accurately valued and categorised where they are beyond economical repair or stolen and unrecovered. You’ll also work closely with customers and third parties, clearly explaining decisions and managing expectations throughout the claim.

Working flexibly, you'll spend the first 2 weeks in the office full-time for training and support, then hybrid begins with 4 days at home and 1 day in the office. But if you prefer to be in the office more, that's good with us too.

Core skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Organisation and time management: Able to prioritise tasks, manage your workload and keep things on track
• Teamwork: Able to work collaboratively, support others and contribute to shared team goals
• Communication: Keeps customers and colleagues clearly updated through phone, email and webchat
• Have worked in the Motor Trade Industry
• AQP qualification (desirable)

What’s Involved:

• You’ll negotiate settlement of motor vehicles
• You’ll work to agreed timescales and business parameters
• You’ll liaise directly with customers
• You’ll audit and evaluate performance of repairer, making recommendations regarding repair quality, repair costs and customer service
• You’ll manage non-approved repairers and provide a complete triage solution
• You’ll build and maintain professional working relationships with a range of suppliers
• You’ll provide technical guidance to the claims teams in accordance with agreed service levels and on occasions other areas within the business. Support the claims staff, offer solutions and make decisions in any aspects relating to the Accidental Damage /Third Party engineering element of a claim. This will include total loss reports, valuations, supporting the Third Party intervention process, image inspections, new car replacement, diminution, mechanical/electrical breakdown, credit hire disputes and security reports
• You’ll communicate effectively and appropriately with repairers and customers/third parties. This will often involve explaining potentially complex decisions made in a way that takes account of the recipient’s level of technical understanding. In making and communicating decisions with Policyholders will be key when managing repairs, total losses, valuation disputes, cases involving unrelated damage, complaints and applying policy conditions/limits.
• You’ll identify fraudulent activity through investigative practice and liaison with claims colleagues, to correctly identify and advise on vehicle modifications which are non-standard to original equipment
• You’ll support all aspects of the business in order to assist in the claims process for both insured and third party in order expedite settlement and minimise cost.
• You’ll ensure all work is carried out within agreed KPI’s and SLA’s
• You’ll ensure all work is carried out in accordance to our company values
• You’ve knowledge of relevant legislation – Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) Financial Services Authority (FSA) Data Protection Act (DPA)
• You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times
• You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience of working in a motor vehicle estimating / motor engineering environment
• Influencing, negotiation and relationship building
• Solid Claims Knowledge
• Competent understanding of insurance principals
• Extensive vehicle make up knowledge
• Good working knowledge of vehicle types, makes and models
• A comprehensive knowledge of motor vehicles, modern repair techniques, estimating methods, technology and equipment used in the vehicle repair environment.
• Membership (or working towards membership) of the IAEA.
• Skills & Qualifications
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good time management and organisation skills
• Influencing, negotiation and relationship building
• Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new skills

Behaviours

• Commercially focussed
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• An organised and pro-active approach
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Embrace, embed and incorporate the Company Values
• A flexible approach and positive attitude
• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy
• Takes initiative to make decisions
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business

Ready to join us?

We’re looking for talented people who want to make a real impact for our customers, colleagues and business. Apply today and discover where a career at 1st Central could take you.

To find out more about careers at 1st Central, take a look here