Commercial Account Handler

Howden; Preston; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days holiday

Life Assurance up to 4x salary

Income protection

Contributory pension 4%/5% rising

Healthcare Cashplan

Job summary

Howden Consumer & Local Commercial in Preston is seeking a Commercial Account Handler to build and maintain relationships with existing clients, review their insurance needs, and proactively pursue new business opportunities. You will manage renewals, provide expert advice on coverage, and collaborate across Howden to deliver top-tier service.

The role emphasizes accurate documentation, keen attention to detail, and ongoing professional development within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Build and maintain relationships with existing clients and proactively pursue new business opportunities.
• Review clients' insurance needs to enhance protection for their businesses.
• Produce accurate, professional documentation and maintain meticulous records.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute ways to self-generate new business and maximise opportunities within our insurer panel.
• Maintain meticulous records of client interactions, correspondence, and documentation on Acturis, using the diary system effectively.
• Present renewal terms to clients with clarity and precision to optimise renewal success.
• Cross-sell products from other divisions to increase client value and deepen relationships.
• Ensure clients are correctly insured and receive expert advisory support for all exposures.

Skills

Relationship building

Negotiation

Account management

Client service

Self-generation

Acturis proficiency

Tools

Acturis

Job description

With a no limits approach, we can rise to any challenge. Whatever the question, the concern, or the risk, we can get the right people in a room and find the right answer. Our collective power is also helping us to change the insurance narrative - doing right by our clients while using insurance as a tool to build resilience for individuals, businesses and communities.
We are actively looking for a Commercial Account Handler to join our Howden Consumer & Local Commercial team. Our local Commercial team have grown rapidly over the last 14 years', and we now have over 200 people within the team across the UK. As a Commercial Account Handler, you will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with existing clients, actively reviewing client's insurance needs to enhance protection for their businesses, while also proactively acquiring new clients. This role is pivotal in achieving the Branch/Groups client retention targets through exceptional service and resource available throughout the Howden Group.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and execute ways to self-generate new business and maximise opportunities within our insurer panel.

Maintain meticulous records of client interactions, correspondence, and documentation on Acturis, utilising the diary system effectively.

Produce accurate and professional documentation consistently, adhering to Howden standards.

Process adjustments promptly, ensuring notification to insurers, issuing revised documentation, and managing additional or return premium collection and refund.

Actively cross-sell products from other Divisions, enhancing client value and deepening business relationships by collaborating with other branches and Group Resources as necessary to provide comprehensive service.

Establish and manage a tailored renewal strategy for each client, aligning with the division's procedures and goals to optimise renewal success.

Ensure clients are correctly and adequately insured, providing expert advice to address all insurance exposures.

Support the Division in achieving targets through proactive client engagement

Maintain professional competence by adhering to Howden Training and Competence procedures.

Seek and respond to client feedback, continuously improving service quality.

Conduct market exercises to secure the most appropriate cover for the clients needs and at competitive terms.

Present renewal terms to clients with clarity and precision, ensuring contract certainty.

Guarantee premium collection prior to cover commencement, following Howden procedures.

Proven ability to self-generate business and identify new opportunities.

Strong relationship-building skills, with a focus on client retention and satisfaction.

Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.

Proficiency in using Computers

Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and professionalism in documentation.

Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with various areas of the business.

Strategic thinking with a focus on renewal strategies and retention targets.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and compliance with regulatory standards.

Rewards:

We believe that great work and dedication should be rewarded, that's why we offer:

22 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing through length of service

A set of core benefits, designed with your health and financial protection in mind:

Life Assurance up to 4x salary, protecting your loved ones in case the worst should happen

Income protection, guaranteeing an income for up to 5 years in the event of an illness or injury

Contributory pension scheme - 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution, rising to 5% & 5% in April 2025

Access to a Healthcare Cashplan, which gives you access to a variety of health related benefits

Access to a host of lifestyle and financial benefits that you can choose from:

Discounts on gym membership across the UK

Salary sacrifice schemes - Travel Insurance, Cycle to Work, Car leasing, Technology purchase

Access to discounted personal health policies - Critical illness, private medical, dental plans

A range of insurance products available commission free, including home, motor, travel and specialist vehicles

Access to hundreds of high-street retailer discounts