Cost Negotiator

Job Purpose: To negotiate costs on NHSR clinical negligence matters, drafting pleadings and dealing with the costs litigation to conclusion. To pursue the settlement of costs as soon as practicably possible. It is important that the job holder can quickly review files & formulate initial costs strategy, provide comprehensive advice to clients, commence early telephone negotiations with other side and liaise, as required, with Insurers throughout the life of the file. Key Accountabilities: * Responsible for management of own caseload using in-house case management system including timely and accurate maintenance of the system along with billing and management information - ensuring completeness of records in order to aid business decision making. * Responsible for hitting 6.8 hours chargeable per day. * Delegation of tasks where available and appropriate to other members of the team. * Preparing points of dispute and considering replies. * Reviewing files. * Identifying strengths and weaknesses and preparing a document to reflect this. * Preparing cost strategy reports. * Settling costs. * Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls. * Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with Client requirements. * Updating reports. * Meeting agreed performance targets. * Provide written updates by email or letter to clients detailing case activity to ensure that they receive up to date and accurate information about progress when requested. * Instruct Counsel or Costs Lawyer to attend Detailed Assessment or alternatively conduct own advocacy. * To ensure compliance with the SRA Code of Conduct 2011. Experience, Skills and Qualifications: * 12 months experience as a minimum in a similar costs negotiator role either claimant or defendant. * Must have dealt with cases valuing 100k plus * Previous experience of client liaison. * Experience of preparing Points of Dispute and considering replies. * Good standard of education - 3 GCSE's grade C or above or equivalent including Maths, English & Science as a minimum. * Good telephone negotiation skills * Previous experience of handling own caseload. * Have an understanding of the Detailed Assessment process, Cost Case Laws and Insurance Litigation practice & process. * Ability to use own initiative. * Ability to plan and prioritise workloads. * Excellent listening and verbal communication skills. * Ability to make decisions. * Ability to remain calm under pressure. * Ability to act as part of a team. * Proficient IT skills. Desirable: * Education - Degree and/or LPC and/or ALCD. * Conducted own advocacy. * Capabilities needed to succeed and excel in the role Technical knowledge to be developed * Client Strategy and SLAs Technical skills to be developed * Proficient in positioning cases from a defendant perspective. * Progression to full financial and handling authorities for the given client area, which will include developing technical skills in the following areas; * Strategy Development * Investigations * Negotiations * Dispute Resolution * MI and Billing * Costs Negotiations and Applications * Points of Dispute * Considering replies to points of dispute * Detailed Assessment Hearings * Application Hearings * Mentoring less experienced members of the team. * Advocacy Soft Skills * Personal Effectiveness * Team Commitment : Values others perspective * Resilience: Demonstrates self-control * Passion for Growth and Improvement: Systematically improves performance * Embracing Change: Responds positively to change Business Focus * Client Care: Works to add value for the client * Decision Making: Operates within formal authority * Negotiation, Influence and Persuasion: Creates a calculated impact * Commercial Insight: Considers some commercial implications * Monitors own performance against objectives set by Team Leader Business Unit: Motor Office: Bolton