Costs Negotiator

Keoghs; Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Davies Incentive Plan

25 days holiday per year (rises with 3

Simply Health Care Cash Plan

WeCare – 24/7 online GP and wellbeing

Job summary

Keoghs is seeking a Lead Costs Negotiator for our Manchester office. You will manage a portfolio of fixed recoverable costs cases from settlement to court determination hearings, leading on disputes when required, and handling disbursements as applicable.

You will negotiate within settlement parameters, supervise cost strategy, and ensure adherence to SRA Standards. Strong IT skills and effective communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a costs negotiator role (claimant or defendant).
• Experience handling own caseload and liaising with clients.

Responsibilities

• Analyze costs claimed and prepare cost strategy reports.
• Identify strengths/weaknesses and reflect in a document.
• Negotiate costs within settlement parameters.
• Manage correspondence and phone calls.
• Instruct Counsel or Costs Lawyer for attendance at Detailed Assessment; or conduct own advocacy.
• Meet performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with SRA Standards & Regulations.
• Adhere to Keoghs Values.

Skills

Costs negotiation

Client liaison

Caseload management

Communication skills

Team player

IT skills

Decision making

Composure under pressure

Education

GCSEs (incl Maths & English)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description Lead Costs Negotiator within our in‑house team. You will have the opportunity to manage your own portfolio of fixed recoverable costs cases for Fast Track and MOJ matter (and disputed disbursements on MOJ or Infant Approval) from settlement of damages right through to court determination hearings, as and when required in matters where disbursements and/or fixed costs are disputed, having the chance to lead the way in fixed costs disputes.

Application Deadline 6 October 2026

Department Claims Management

Location Manchester

Key Responsibilities

• Analysis of costs claimed and preparing cost strategy reports
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses and preparing a document to reflect this
• Negotiating costs within settlement parameters
• Dealing with correspondence and telephone calls
• Undertaking periodic reviews of files in line with Client requirementsInstruct Counsel or Costs Lawyer to attend Detailed Assessment or alternatively conduct own advocacy
• Meeting agreed performance targets.
• To ensure compliance with the SRA Standards & Regulations
• Adhere to the Keoghs Values

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Experience in a similar costs negotiator role either claimant or defendant
• Previous experience of client liaison.
• Good standard of education – 3 GCSE'S grade C or above or equivalent including Maths, English as a minimum.
• Previous experience of handling own caseload
• Have an understanding of the Detailed Assessment process, Cost Case Laws and Insurance Litigation
• Experience of preparing Points of Dispute and considering replies 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
• Good telephone negotiation skills

Job Benefits

• Davies Incentive Plan
• 25 days holiday per year which increases with level of service (opportunity to buy & sell 3 days)
• Simply Health Care Cash Plan
• WeCare – 24/7 online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing covering a whole host of topics to do with health, mental health, wellbeing & healthy living and financial & legal wellbeing
• Death In Service – after 1 years' service
• Pension Contribution based 5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Employee Resource Groups
• Employee Volunteering Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme*
• Tech Scheme*
• Season Ticket Loan*
• Gym Flex*
• Access to Online Discount Sites
• Discounted Gourmet Society Membership
• Discounted Tickets for Merlin Attractions nationwide
• Discounts at local retail outlets

*after successfully completing probation