Claims Handler - Commercial & Schemes

2136GB00 Howden UK Brokers Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Howden is hiring a Claims Handler for its Manchester team. The role focuses on managing commercial insurance claims, delivering excellent client service, and guiding claims to successful resolution.

The position is full-time with hybrid working two to three days in the office, overseeing a diverse claims portfolio. The ideal candidate has solid commercial claims experience, strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder skills, and a customer-centric approach.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 months' experience in a commercial claims role.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of commercial insurance claims from notification through to settlement, ensuring claims are progressed efficiently and in line with policy cover.
• Support clients throughout the claims process, providing guidance, updates and reassurance while delivering a high standard of customer service.
• Work closely with brokers, insurers, loss adjusters, legal representatives and other stakeholders to achieve timely and effective claim resolution.
• Accurately assess policy coverage and claims information to support informed decision-making and favourable outcomes.
• Negotiate with insurers to secure fair settlements in line with policy terms and client expectations.
• Conduct client visits when required following significant losses, gathering information and supporting robust claim submissions.
• Build strong relationships with clients and colleagues, contributing to a positive customer experience and supporting client retention.

Skills

Claims handling

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Customer service

Independence

Education

GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent)

A Levels (desirable)

CII/CILA qualifications (advantageous)

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.

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, providing expert advice and tailored solutions that help businesses navigate uncertainty and achieve their ambitions.

Role Summary

We have an opportunity for a Claims Handler to join our Manchester team. This role is ideal for an experienced commercial claims professional who enjoys building relationships, delivering excellent client service and managing claims through to a successful resolution. Working with clients ranging from SMEs to larger commercial organisations across a broad range of commercial insurance classes, you'll play a key role in supporting clients throughout the claims journey. Working closely with broking colleagues, insurers and other stakeholders, you'll help ensure a seamless claims experience and achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

This is a full time permanent role, with hybrid working of two - three days per week in the office, overview of claims portfolio management.

Overview

• Manage a portfolio of commercial insurance claims from notification through to settlement, ensuring claims are progressed efficiently and in line with policy cover.
• Support clients throughout the claims process, providing guidance, updates and reassurance while delivering a high standard of customer service.
• Work closely with brokers, insurers, loss adjusters, legal representatives and other stakeholders to achieve timely and effective claim resolution.
• Accurately assess policy coverage and claims information to support informed decision-making and favourable outcomes.
• Negotiate with insurers to secure fair settlements in line with policy terms and client expectations.
• Conduct client visits when required following significant losses, gathering information and supporting robust claim submissions.
• Build strong relationships with clients and colleagues, contributing to a positive customer experience and supporting client retention.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of commercial insurance policies, coverage types and claims procedures.
• Previous commercial claims handling experience within an insurance brokerage environment.
• Experience managing client relationships and delivering excellent customer service.
• Understanding of insurance principles and relevant regulatory requirements.

Skills

• Minimum 18 months' experience working within a commercial claims role.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Customer‑focused approach with the ability to build trusted client relationships.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Confident and resilient when handling complex or challenging claims.
• Demonstrates empathy and professionalism when supporting clients through difficult claims situations.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
• A Levels (desirable).
• CII and/or CILA qualifications, or working towards professional qualifications, would be advantageous.

What do we offer in return?

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 are 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*.

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

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.