Account Handler - Commercial & Schemes

Howden Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hybrid working

Job summary

Howden Group in the UK is seeking an Account Handler for our Northampton office to support renewals and mid-term adjustments for SME clients. The role is full-time, office-based with a flexible hybrid arrangement (3 days in the office, 2 at home).

You will manage renewal terms, obtain quotations, ensure premium collection, and maintain records on Acturis while cross-selling where appropriate. We value accuracy, strong client service, and solid insurance knowledge; GCSEs in Maths & English are

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ industry experience in general insurance.
• GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C or above.
• Knowledge of renewal processes and commercial insurance terminology.

Responsibilities

• Assist in achieving renewals targets and support client meetings.
• Conduct market exercises to secure competitive terms.
• Obtain renewal terms and present to clients.
• Issue renewal documentation in line with contract certainty.
• Ensure premiums are collected ahead of cover start date.
• Record all information on Acturis and maintain diary reminders.
• Cross-sell products across divisions.

Skills

Technical insurance skills

Accuracy and attention to detail

Time management

Excellent client service

Negotiation and broking

Information gathering & analysis

Persuasion & influence

Education

GCSEs A-C in Maths & English

Cert CII (desirable)

Tools

Acturis

Job description

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 24,000 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.

Commercial & Schemes

At Howden, Commercial & Schemes, 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.

We are seeking an Account Handler to support our team for the administration of renewals, mid‑term adjustments, obtaining quotations and invoicing of premiums. Dealing with our SME clients, you will have a passion for providing excellent service to your clients and be excited about the prospect of working with a growing insurance broker that’s making a real impact in the market. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to providing outstanding service to our clients. We promote personal and professional growth. Please note this is a full‑time, permanent, office‑based opportunity. You will be onsite in our Northampton office. The office days are currently 3 days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). With the other two days working from home. (This arrangement however is subject to change).

Overview

Assist in achieving Group/Division 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 (if applicable). Undertake market exercise to establish most competitive terms available. Obtain renewal terms and present to client. Issue renewal documentation in line with contract certainty. Ensure premiums are collected prior to the commencement of cover and in line with Howden procedures. Record all relevant information, correspondence, and documentation on Acturis and make effective use of the diary system. Process adjustments in line with procedures, including notification to insurers, issue of revised documentation, and collection of additional premiums. Actively cross‑sell products from other Divisions.

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 2 years’ industry experience.

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.
• Ability to gather and analyse information from the client.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to an individual client’s level of understanding.
• Ability to persuade and influence others.

Qualifications

• GCSEs A‑C in Maths & English.
• Cert CII (desirable).
• Acturis (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*.

• Flexible hours*
• Hybrid working*

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations.

Permanent

Howden began in 1994, as just three people and a dog. Now there are 23,000 of us, and we're a leading global insurance group, managing $37bn of premiums for our clients. Our largest shareholder group is us – the people who work in the business – supported by three long‑term, minority growth‑equity partners who share our vision to build a business to last, one that will never be sold. The owner's mindset is something that's embedded in our culture; our people readily take ownership of their decisions, their actions, and their outputs. They’re invested in every sense. And we all know that by working together to drive the business forward, everyone will benefit from the extraordinary results we can achieve.