Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. 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. 

Join Howden’s Schemes division and play a pivotal role in our unique renovation insurance team as a New Business Account Handler in our Colchester office.

In this target-driven position, you will be responsible for managing new business opportunities within the residential and commercial property renovation sector. You will offer bespoke insurance solutions to clients carrying out a renovation or self-build project, build strong client & insurer relationships, and contribute to the team's overall success. This role demands a proactive individual with a passion for sales & insurance and the drive to exceed both personal and team targets.

This is a full-time, permanent position working in the office 2 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Organise and manage personal work activities to achieve team objectives and meet agreed targets

• Manage assigned projects and contribute to other projects as required

• Review client documentation to ensure comprehensive and accurate information is presented for the quoting process

• Collate and communicate client requirements to ensure appropriate marketing of the risk

• Liaise with clients to resolve queries and respond to market and third-party queries as appropriate

• Produce high-quality market documentation, securing appropriate authorisations

• Work with underwriters to place insurance that balances quality, coverage, and price

• Process data promptly and accurately on relevant systems to support client service and internal processes

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation for clients, ensuring proper organisation of records

• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and obtain required authorisations

• Foster and nurture positive relationships with colleagues and external contacts

• Provide support and assistance to senior colleagues and/or their clients on request

• Deal with or refer client enquiries, renewals, and mid-term adjustments

Skills:

• Minimum 18 months experience in general knowledge of insurance

• Minimum 18 months sales experience

• Strong literacy and numeracy skills

• Ability to work under pressure and to short deadlines

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Knowledge of Acturis system is desirable

• Proficiency of Microsoft Excel / Word

Qualifications:

• GCSE in Maths & English

• A levels (desirable)

• Cert CII and above (desirable)

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.  Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.