Motor Vehicle Image Engineer

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 make sound decisions? Are you a clear communicator who can explain complex information to customers, repairers and third parties in a simple and supportive way? We’re looking for four Motor Vehicle Image Engineers to join our Engineering team based in either Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Salford Quays, Manchester. You’ll be working as part of a team, responsible for engineering and authorising vehicle repairs, producing inspection reports and making decisions regarding the settlement of claims for total loss cases. Core skills we’re looking for: Extensive vehicle make up knowledge. Competent in the use of automotive estimate systems Strong customer service skills Ability to work in a fast-paced team and business Strong teamwork skills What’s involved: You’ll engineer and authorise vehicle repair costs in accordance with manufacturer’s methodology while taking all aspects of the claim into consideration. You’ll take technical calls, produce inspection reports, and make total loss decisions whilst authorising supplementary estimates. You’ll liaise directly with customers to ensure that claims are settled in the most appropriate manner to establish a correct market position for the vehicle, utilising vehicle valuation guides along with extensive market research. You’ll need to communicate effectively and appropriately with customers and network of third parties (including but not limited to network of repairers). 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, cases involving unrelated damage, complaints and applying policy conditions/limits. You’ll need to be able to 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 be a support to the total loss valuation handlers, as required, by delivering the valuation and settling claims where vehicles which have been deemed beyond economical repair or have been stolen and unrecovered. You’ll engage with the network of third parties to develop a strong working relationship driving maximum efficiencies. Also support all aspects of the business to assist in the claims process for both insured and third party in order expedite settlement and minimise cost. You’ll need to work to agreed timescales and business parameters, ensuring all work is carried out within agreed KPI’s and SLA’s. Job-specific competencies Experience & knowledge Experience of working within the repair industry, mechanical / body. Experience of resolving complex customer / repairer problems / issues / complaints. Able to understand and interpret client requirements. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new skills. Extensive vehicle make up knowledge. Knowledge of relevant legislation – Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Data Protection Act (DPA) Skills & Qualifications Ability to prioritise and plan in response to customer/business drivers. Competent in automotive estimate systems. Strong negotiating skills for rate agreement and delivery. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new skills Excellent time management skills Good communication skills, both verbal and written Good time management and organisation skills Advanced computer literacy skills. Excellent time management skills. Behaviours Commercially focused Self-motivated and enthusiastic An organised and pro-active approach Embrace, embed and incorporate the Company Values Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy Takes initiative to make decisions Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team A flexible approach and positive attitude Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business Ready to take on an exciting challenge? Apply now and become our next Image Engineer! 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