New Business Account Handler - Corporate & Commercial

Howden; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a New Business Account Handler to manage new business opportunities within the renovation sector. This role involves offering bespoke insurance solutions, building strong client relationships, and contributing to team success. The ideal candidate is proactive with a passion for sales and insurance. This full-time position offers a flexible work model in Colchester or Burnham-on-Crouch.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of team objectives and role contribution.
• Able to work independently and use initiative.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to change.

Responsibilities

• Manage new business opportunities within renovation sector.
• Build strong client and insurer relationships.
• Produce high-quality market documentation.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Familiarity with the market

Attention to detail

Calm and resilient under pressure

Job description

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people worldwide. We have pushed the boundaries of insurance and are united by a culture focused on collaboration as a diverse international team of 18,000 employees across more than 100 countries.

People join Howden for many reasons, but they stay for the culture. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

At Howden - Corporate & Commercial, commercial insurance isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. We support our clients through the complex landscape of commercial risk and craft bespoke solutions to help businesses navigate uncertainty and achieve growth. We protect client assets and fuel progress, celebrating success with clients when they prosper and providing unwavering support when challenges arise.

Join Howden’s Schemes division and play a pivotal role in our renovation insurance team as a New Business Account Handler.

In this target-driven position, you will manage new business opportunities within the residential and commercial property renovation sector, offer bespoke insurance solutions to clients carrying out a renovation or self-build project, build strong client and insurer relationships, and contribute to the team’s overall success. This role requires a proactive individual with a passion for sales and insurance and the drive to exceed personal and team targets.

This is a full-time, permanent position with the option to work 2 days per week in Colchester or Burnham-on-Crouch for a balanced work experience.

Responsibilities

• Organise and manage personal work activities to achieve team objectives and meet targets.
• Participate in team meetings, reporting on business progress within your area of expertise.
• Manage assigned projects and contribute to other projects as required.
• Review client documentation to ensure comprehensive and accurate information for the quoting process.
• Collate and communicate client requirements to ensure appropriate marketing of the risk.
• Liaise with clients to resolve queries and respond to market and third-party questions as appropriate.
• Produce high-quality market documentation and secure appropriate authorisations.
• Take ownership of data entry, credit control, and chasing subjectivities when required.
• Work with underwriters to place insurance that balances quality, coverage and price.
• Process data promptly and accurately on relevant systems to support client service and internal processes.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation for clients, ensuring proper records organization.
• Conduct due diligence and sanctions checks in line with company procedures.
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and obtain required authorisations.
• Foster positive relationships with colleagues and external contacts.
• Provide support to senior colleagues and/or their clients on request.
• Deal with or refer client enquiries, renewals, and mid-term adjustments.

Requirements

• Familiarity with the market, including competitors, specific territories, and cultural awareness.
• Good understanding of team objectives and how your role contributes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work independently and use initiative.
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Calm and resilient under pressure; ability to adapt to change.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. We value diversity and are looking for individuals who share our values:

• Our successes come from someone brave enough to try something new.
• We support each other in everyday moments and 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 positions align with your needs. This includes adjustments such as software, IT, office setups, flexible hours* or hybrid working* where possible.

If you’re excited by this role but have doubts about fit, apply and we will be in touch to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require. *

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner to learn more.