Senior Claims Handler - Corporate & Commercial

From day one, our mission has been to create an independent business with a unique culture - one that is controlled by the people who work for it. Finding the most talented and entrepreneurial people has always been key to our success.

People come to Howden for lots of different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. That's what sets us apart, and why we nurture and retain the best talent in the market. Whatever your priorities - work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you'll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

At Howden, Corporate & Commercial, commercial insurance isn't just what we do - it's who we are. We support our clients through the complex landscape of commercial risk. We understand the diverse needs of businesses from large corporates to emerging ventures, meticulously crafting bespoke solutions to empower businesses to navigate uncertainty and achieve unwavering growth. Our depth of commercial insurance expertise allows us to protect client's assets and fuel their progress. When our clients prosper, we celebrate success with them; when challenges arise, we provide unwavering support.

Howden, Corporate & Commercial are on the hunt for a Senior Claims Handler to support their team to be responsible for the pro-active management of all claims from cradle to grave, whilst always aware of the Client's needs throughout the process. Sitting within the team of 5 you'll be able to coach and develop your team members along the way sharing your knowledge. You'll be working with our London VIP clients so having experience in private clients and high net worth is essential for this role.

Please note this is a full-time, permanent opportunity. You will be based in our Lakeside office and ideally be onsite for 2 days per week on average.

Overview:

• Ensuring exceptional claim service is delivered to each and every client.
• Attendance at client's premises following large or complex losses and providing assistance to investigate any case law / relevant facts which aide satisfactory settlement and conclusion.
• Building and developing close working relationships with Clients and Account Executives and Handlers and each of our partners, including Insurers and Loss Adjusters/Suppliers.
• Maintaining an open 'early warning' culture ensuring that issues / potential E&O's are identified and addressed at an early stage.
• Communication - ensuring that there are clear lines of communication throughout the Client servicing team and sharing all relevant information with Account Executives and Account Handlers.
• Reviewing and if necessary challenging Insurer decisions on liability.
• Providing mentoring and coaching to the claims team and wider division.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of all the main classes of General Insurance and the CII's Code of Ethics and GDPR.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years claims experience in household/property.
• Must have a working knowledge of dealing with private clients and high net worth clients.
• Responsibility for own personal development and for keeping own knowledge up to date by the use of e-learning, in-house courses, and studying for professional qualifications in order to gain the required CPD points.

Skills:

• Good level of technical insurance skills, to be assessed by regular in-house testing.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to process work quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Excellent client service skills.
• Good negotiation and broking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to an individual client's level of understanding.

Qualifications:

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
• Cert CII (desirable for this role).

Our Culture: People First

We've travelled far since opening our first office in 1994. Back then we were local experts - based in London, with direct access to the world's biggest insurance market. We're still locals, and we still deliver the right advice and the right insurance to our clients. But now, we're local all over the world. With 15,000 global colleagues and a partner network spanning more than 100 territories, we are the largest independent insurance broker in the world. But our values haven't changed since day one, when we set out to create a company grounded in:

• An employee-ownership model
• Aligned external investors
• The trust and integrity born of friendship
• Expertise
• Independence

Our focus on being a people-first business has always been at the very heart of Howden. Our vision was to create an independent business with a unique culture; one that would survive and thrive as a business controlled by the people working for it. Our employee ownership model sets us apart in the market. It's created a culture of collaboration and innovation, where we're driven to think bigger and empowered to challenge convention.

Our flat structure and entrepreneurial spirit help us attract the best people and empower them to be the best version of themselves. And when we bring in and nurture great talent, more follows. That makes us better - and that's better for everyone.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Howden we consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness and respect, regardless of their age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or family circumstances.