Claims Manager

Freightliner is the UK's largest maritime intermodal logistics operator, transporting containers from all major deep-sea ports to our national network of inland terminals, as well as a leading operator in the UK Heavy Haul rail freight market. Freightliner has operations across Europe offering both Intermodal and Heavy Haul rail freight services seamlessly connecting European countries and the UK.

In the UK the Freightliner Group operates under a number of legal entities including Freightliner Group Ltd, Freightliner Heavy Haul Ltd, Freightliner Ltd, Pentalver Transport Ltd, and Pentalver Cannock Ltd.

Purpose of the Role:

The role is responsible for commercial and liquidated rail claims for Freightliner Intermodal.

The Claims Manager is required to lead and manage the commercial claim process, from intent to claim to payment for:

• Schedule 4 Category 3 (Track Access Contract) including late notice
• Network Change (Part G of Network Code)

They will also be responsible for leading and managing the liquidated claim process from submission to payment for weekly and periodic claims falling under:

• Schedule 8 Service Variation and Cancellation (SV&C) including late notice
• Schedule 4 Category 1 and 2

There are also wider opportunities to support and develop knowledge in other business areas such as Performance, Policy and Track Access management.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Act as the main point of contact for Network Rail to ensure that claims are submitted within contractual timescales and processed in a timely manner.
• Prepare high-quality validated claims to Network Rail. Liaising with finance, planning, operations and commercial teams to gather the evidence required for claims submission.
• Implement new processes and negotiate with Network Rail to agree methodologies as required.
• Manage the relationship with Network Rail to ensure that all claims are successfully managed through to payment. Collaborate closely with internal teams to resolve disputes and queries regarding claims.
• Promote the value of commercial claims by regularly tracking progress and reporting results internally. This includes providing data to support internal decision-making and performance tracking.
• Act as a key link between Network Rail and Freightliner’s Insurance team, helping drive improved resolution and efficient solutions for rail damage claims (Clause 10.2 and 10.1 of the Track Access Contract).
• Provide expert claims guidance to raise awareness and support understanding within the Freightliner business.
• Liaise with Train Planning to review the pipeline of possessions to identify potential and future claims.
• Support Line Manager in identifying all potential claim opportunities.

KPI’s/Performance Measures:

• Periodic submission of Category 3 claims within contractual timescales.
• Weekly submission of SV&C claims within contractual timescales.
• Periodic submission of Category 1 and 2 claims within contractual timescales.
• Regular reporting on approved claims and successful payments.

Personal Specification:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong advocacy skills, able to influence and negotiate at all levels and effectively promote Freightliner’s position.
• Confident, engaging communicator with the ability to build and maintain productive relationships across the business and with external partners.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Proven ability to form strong working relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Demonstratable teamwork skills, actively supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, cooperative work culture.
• Driven to deliver results and committed to seeing complex challenges through to resolution.

Desirable requirements

• Knowledge of railway operation and rail industry structure.
• Working knowledge of the Network Code.
• Working knowledge of TOC/FOC Track Access Contracts, particularly Schedule 4 and Schedule 8.
• Awareness of train and possession planning processes.
• Awareness of commercial sensitivity within the railway industry.

Our commitment to you, once you join our team, is to foster growth and provide developmental opportunities to ensure you reach your utmost potential.

We are looking for the most committed and reliable individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and experience needed for their roles.

In return we can offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a competitive pension scheme and a rewarding career in an award-winning team.