In House Engineer

We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life. 

Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.  

Are you an experience Motor Engineer looking for the next step in your career? If so we want to hear from you!

We’re looking for a talented In House Engineer to join our Performance team in either our Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Salford Quays, Manchester office. 

At First Central our Engineering Team is responsible for the Operational Management of our Motor Claims spend and delivering exceptional quality of service to our customers.

In this role you’ll ensure that modern day motor vehicles which are subject to a motor claim are repaired to their pre accident condition. You will use the most appropriate methods at the correct cost, accurately valuing and categorising vehicles if they are deemed beyond economical repair or are stolen and unrecovered. You will carry out extensive market research and engage with the customer/third parties to set their expectations.

This is a Monday to Friday role on a 37.5 hour working week. We are currently working to a hybrid model, so your weekly hours will be split 3 days working from home and 2 days in the office.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• Experience working in the Motor Trade Industry
• AQP qualification - ideally
• Motivation and ability to work remotely

What’s involved:

• Negotiate settlement of motor vehicles
• Work to agreed timescales and business parameters
• Liaise directly with customers
• Audit and evaluate performance of repairer, making recommendations regarding repair quality, repair costs and customer service
• In the management of non-approved repairers, provide a complete triage solution
• Build and maintain professional working relationships with a range of suppliers
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• Ensure all work is carried out within agreed KPI’s and SLA’s
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance to our company values
• Knowledge of relevant legislation – Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) Financial Services Authority (FSA) Data Protection Act (DPA)
• Comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times
• 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

Are you the person we’re looking for? If so, we look forward to hearing from you. Apply today!

We pride ourselves on being a great place to work. Check out our Glassdoor page to see what our colleagues think about working here.

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here. 

Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.