Drying and Restoration Technician in Crawley

Locations: Looking for technicians to cover South East London/South East priority region, including Crawley and Horsham. Candidates should be based within 60‑90 minutes of the area to ensure coverage. This is a field‑based position involving travel within the designated region, with flexibility to work from home when not on site.

Role Overview: The Home Claims team is growing. As a member of the Drying and Restoration Team you will visit customers to evaluate claims, take immediate action to remove debris, and install the relevant equipment to restore homes. You will project‑manage the customer's claim onsite, offering immediate settlement or acting as the key point of contact until building repairs commence.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver accurate scopes for building works and repair, and install drying programmes safely, ensuring compliance with health & safety, 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, travelling to various locations as required.
• 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 your 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 proactive diary management.
• 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 and able to use a company vehicle.
• Proficient in IT systems and claims management software (e.g., CoreLogic, Microsoft Teams); a clean driving licence is required 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.

Interview Process: Recruiter screening call. First interview with hiring leader (via Microsoft Teams).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme.
• Financial wellbeing package (life assurance cover, income protection, matched pension contributions up to 10%, discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice).
• Mental wellbeing programme (mental health app, 24/7 assistance, in‑house first aiders, support groups).
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell a week.
• Access to healthcare cash‑back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle‑to‑Work and tech schemes, discounted & free on‑site facilities, social events throughout the year.

Regrettably we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to full inclusion. We welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) and provide fair access to support and adjustments throughout the recruitment journey. Hastings Group is an equal‑opportunity employer; we 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. We also conduct thorough referencing, including credit and criminal record checks.