Business Assurance Business Partner - Specialty

Howden Group Holdings; Dartford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global insurance group in Dartford seeks a Business Assurance Business Partner to support the Business Assurance Manager in maintaining audit frameworks. Key responsibilities include overseeing audits, managing projects, and liaising with stakeholders. Ideal candidates have experience in compliance, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. The role offers a permanent contract with flexible working arrangements potentially available.

Qualifications

• Experience in compliance, monitoring, or audit within insurance or financial services.
• Familiarity with governance frameworks and risk-based assurance practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Business Assurance file audits for Specialty divisions.
• Review business processes against policies and controls, providing recommendations.
• Preparation and circulation of reports for senior management.

Skills

Compliance background

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Project management abilities

Ability to influence

Organizational skills

Proactive approach

Microsoft Office proficiency

Conflict management

Education

Experience in compliance, audit, or business assurance

Knowledge of relevant legislation

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 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.

The Role

As a Business Assurance Business Partner, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Business Assurance Manager and Head of Business Assurance in maintaining the first-line review framework for Howden Specialty. This role involves working closely with the audit team to ensure objectives are delivered. It also includes serving as a point of contact for the business and supervising audit findings.

You’ll lead on specific projects and reviews, evaluating business processes in relation to policies, procedures, and controls, and providing actionable recommendations. This is a multifaceted role that combines technical oversight, stakeholder engagement, and promoting best practice across the business.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Oversee Business Assurance file audits for Specialty divisions.
• Act as a liaison for Business Assurance matters within operating entities.
• Manage assigned projects and contribute to wider BA initiatives.
• Review business processes against policies and controls, providing recommendations.
• Chair and report for the monthly Business Assurance Specialty Committee.
• Prepare and circulate reports and committee packs, highlighting risks and priorities.
• Track remedial actions and provide progress updates to senior management.
• Respond to queries from the offshore audit team and the business.
• Promote best practice and mentor staff where required.
• Stay informed on regulatory and legal changes impacting the role.

Who We’re Looking For

• Background in compliance, monitoring, or audit within insurance or financial services.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of regulatory requirements.
• Broad knowledge of insurance principles, products, and services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Ability to influence and secure buy-in for recommendations.
• Highly organised with strong time management and prioritisation skills.
• Proactive, consultative approach with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage conflict optimally.

Qualifications

• No specific formal qualification required, but experience in compliance, audit, or business assurance is essential.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations within insurance/reinsurance broking.
• Familiarity with governance frameworks and risk-based assurance practices is 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.

Permanent