Marine Junior Account Handler (Mandarin / Cantonese language skills)

Willis Towers Watson; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global insurance firm in Ipswich is seeking a Business Support Specialist to aid their Marine Hull team. The role involves client development, market research, and proposal assistance. Ideal candidates will have a Maritime Studies degree and strong communication skills in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Opportunities to develop expertise in marine insurance will be provided, including potential industry qualifications.

Qualifications

• Interest in Marine insurance and willingness to develop expertise.
• Strong analytical skills and comfortable working with data.
• Willingness to pursue industry qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining client relationships and preparing for meetings.
• Monitor market trends and support growth initiatives.
• Help prepare policy documentation for clients.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Language skills in Mandarin

Language skills in Cantonese

Language skills in English

Education

Degree in Maritime Studies

Job description

As a Business Support Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the strategic expansion of our Marine Hull team including our marine construction portfolio.

Working within the International Hull team, you will support the identification of new opportunities, client engagement and contribute to the development of tailored insurance solutions for Shipowners and Shipyards.

This role is ideal for someone with a Maritime Studies qualification (or similar) with strong communication and organizational skills who is looking to begin their career in the marine insurance space, particularly within the marine hull and builder’s risks segments.

We are ideally seeking candidates with strong language skills in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.

The Role

• Client & Market Development
  • Assist in maintaining relationships with marine hull clients and marine construction stakeholders globally.
  • Support senior team members in preparing for client meetings and industry events.
  • Help gather client information to better understand risk profiles and insurance needs.
• Growth Strategy & Execution
  • Work closely with the Hull international team to support growth initiatives.
  • Help identify potential new business opportunities through research and internal collaboration.
  • Contribute to proposal development and RFP responses.
  • Monitor market trends and competitor activity to support team strategy.
• Technical & Commercial Expertise
  • Assist in preparing policy documentation for Marine Hull clients and shipyard/builder’s risks.
  • Collaborate with underwriters and brokers to support programme design and delivery.
  • Help ensure alignment of Marine Hull activities with broader portfolio goals.
• Shipowners/Shipyard Focus
  • Learn the fundamentals of this class to support engagement with the marine hull team.
  • Develop skills to begin assisting in reviewing contracts and tailoring coverage under supervision.
  • Contribute ideas to help develop innovative insurance solutions for Shipowners.
• Team Collaboration & Development
  • Support engagement with shipowners and shipyards to gather project details and timelines.
  • Assist in reviewing contracts and tailoring coverage under supervision.

The Requirements

• Language skills to include Mandarin, Cantonese and English
• Shipping experience (preferably in Asia)
• Degree in Maritime Studies or related field is preferred
• Interest in Marine insurance and willingness to develop expertise in shipowners and builders risks.
• Basic understanding of marine construction processes and insurance market dynamics (training provided)
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• Comfortable working with data and documentation.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Willingness to pursue industry qualifications (e.g., CII) as part of career development.

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email [e-mail]