Drying and Restoration Technician

Vxplore; Crawley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital insurance provider is seeking Technicians to join their Home Claims team, covering areas such as Crawley. In this field-based role, you will evaluate claims, install equipment, and manage restoration processes on-site. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in flood damage management and strong knowledge of restoration practices. The company values flexibility in work arrangements and offers competitive benefits including annual leave and financial well-being support.

Benefits

Flexible working

Annual performance bonus

Life assurance cover

Financial well-being support

Mental health programme

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in flood and escape of water damage management.
• Proven expertise across all damage perils and restoration scenarios.
• Physically capable of property strip-outs and equipment handling.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate scopes for building works and repair.
• Work closely with customers to agree settlement plans.
• Continuously develop skills with operational support.

Skills

Flood damage management

Restoration best practices

Health & safety regulations

Claims management software

Proactive approach to task management

Education

Qualification in drying and restoration (e.g., BDMA)

Tools

CoreLogic

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Locations: We are looking for Technicians to cover South East London/South East as a priority location including Crawley, Horsham etc. Ideally you will be based within 60‑90 minutes of the area to ensure timely coverage for customers.

This is a field‑based position which involves travel within your designated region, with flexibility to work from home when not on‑site.

Welcome to Hastings Direct. We are a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We have invested heavily in data and tech and nurture a 4Cs culture. We provide insurance for over four million customers and are looking for talented colleagues to join our growing journey.

Role Overview

Our Home Claims team is growing even bigger. As part of our Drying and Restoration Team, you will visit customers to evaluate claims, remove debris, install drying equipment and manage the claim onsite. You may offer immediate settlement or serve as the key point of contact until building repairs commence.

Job Details – Key Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate scopes for building works, repair and installation of drying programmes in a safe manner, ensuring compliance with health & safety standards, safe systems of work and COSHH regulations.
• Identify and implement best practices for escape of water incidents, maintain accurate IT records and ensure effective restoration planning.
• Work closely with customers to agree settlement plans, arrange alternative accommodation or temporary solutions, and ensure a smooth claims journey.
• Manage and maintain company‑provided equipment and vehicles, traveling to various locations throughout the week.
• Escalate complex cases with proposed solutions, collaborating with Surveying Leads and supply chain partners to ensure efficient claim resolution and a seamless experience for policyholders.
• Continuously develop skills with operational support, contributing to best practices, policy improvements and driving efficient drying times and settlements.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Extensive experience in flood and escape of water damage management, with strong knowledge of restoration best practices, health & safety regulations and relevant legislation.
• Proven expertise across all damage perils and restoration scenarios, including hands‑on use of specialist tools and equipment, and a proactive approach to diary management and claim volumes.
• A qualification in drying and restoration (e.g., BDMA) or an equivalent is desirable, alongside experience in domestic property claims and a strong commitment to customer care and professionalism.
• Physically capable of property strip‑outs and equipment handling, with full use of a company vehicle provided.
• Proficient in IT systems and claims management software (e.g., CoreLogic, Microsoft Teams), with a clean driving licence and subject to DBS and ID checks.
• Positive, adaptable attitude with a willingness to learn, supported by ongoing training to enhance technical skills and career development.

The Interview Process

• Recruiter screening call.
• First interview with hiring leader (Microsoft Teams).

We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).

Regrettably we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Benefits

Flexible working

We champion a flexible hybrid working approach – please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail.

Competitive bonus scheme

All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus.

Financial wellbeing

We provide 4× your salary with life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost and matched pension contributions up to 10%. The package also includes discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and access to financial wellbeing support.

Mental wellbeing programme

We offer the Thrive mental health app, a 24/7 colleague assistance programme, in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to meet your needs.

There's more!

25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell a week, access to health care cashback plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to Work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events and much more.

Our 4Cs Principles

We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. As a team member you will help drive growth and receive full support, training and development. By creating the right culture and giving the right tools we deliver good outcomes for every customer and grow the company profitably and sustainably, investing in the communities we serve.

Equal Opportunities

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer. We treat people fairly and welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please note we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.