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SalaryFrom 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 seeking a Senior Account Handler (Underwriter) within our successful Commercial Schemes division to support our Rural Team to deliver a first-class service to our clients. This role will see you contributing and delivering against a defined strategy focused on rural/farming clients. This is an ideal role for someone who has experience of handling either High Net Worth or Commercial insurance products, Delegated Authorities and/or Rural clients and knowledge.
Please note this is a full-time, permanent role. You will be based in our Bedford office and ideally be onsite for 2 days per week on average. There is also a small requirement to visit clients from time to time in the local area.
Here's what you will be doing:
- Assist in achieving client retention targets by providing an excellent level of service.
- Liaise effectively with the Account Executive to ensure an appropriate strategy for renewal, attend client meetings as necessary and action meeting points.
- Undertake market exercise to establish most competitive terms available.
- Obtain renewal terms and present to client.
- Issue renewal documentation in line with contract certainty.
- Process adjustments in line with procedures, including notification to insurers, issue of revised documentation, and collection of additional premium.
- Produce and issue professional summaries and reports.
- Ensure premiums are collected prior to the commencement of cover.
- Record all relevant information, correspondence and documentation on Acturis and make effective use of the diary system.
What you need to be successful:
- Experience as an underwriter or account handler with HNW or commercial products - preferably a minimum of 2yrs.
- Ideally a previous experience of dealing with Delegated Authority or Rural Clients.
- A knowledge of Acturis is preferred but not essential.
- Accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to process work quickly and efficiently.
- Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
- Client service skills, supported by excellent negotiation and broking skills.
- Articulate oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to gather and analyse information from the client and respond appropriately to an individual client's level of understanding.
Qualifications:
- 5 GCSE's to include Maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification).
- A Levels (desirable).
- Certificate in Insurance (desirable).
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.
