Operations Assistant

Howden; London; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the insurance sector is seeking an Operations Assistant to support core operational teams. This full-time role involves administrative tasks, financial processes, and collaboration across various departments. The position offers a hybrid work pattern, requiring onsite presence three days a week in London.

Qualifications

• Some experience in an administrative role within a corporate environment is beneficial.
• Good working knowledge of MS applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for the Group Operations team.
• Manage supplier accounts and arrange travel bookings.
• Assist with Health & Safety training and events.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. 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 18,000 employees spanning over 100 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.

What is the role?

Howden is looking for an Operations Assistant to provide essential support to our core operational teams. Reporting to our Operations Manager, this position plays a key role in facilitating day-to-day operations, assisting with financial processes, and supporting various teams, including Health & Safety and Corporate Travel.

Please note that this is a full-time, permanent role based in our Central London office. Following a hybrid work pattern, you are expected to be onsite 3 days per week on average.

What will you be doing?

General Support:

• Provide administrative support for the Group Operations team, including Health & Safety and Corporate Travel.

• Offer ad-hoc assistance across wider operational teams, such as Reception, Client Services, Hospitality, Concierge & Kitchen, Facilities, Business Continuity, and Procurement.

• Process and approve invoices and expenses for relevant departments, with particular focus on Kitchen team budgeting.

• Support the Operations Manager and Facilities teams with office moves and staff relocations.

• Manage supplier accounts, including setting up new accounts, tracking contract renewals, and handling ad-hoc requests.

• Arrange travel bookings for the wider team when required (hotels, taxis, vehicle hire, and train tickets).

• Assist with Management Meetings, including collating MI, preparing packs, and taking meeting notes if necessary.

• Organise team events and meetings as needed.

• Travel to regional sites for support, occasionally including overnight stays.

Corporate Travel Support:

• Maintain employee profiles in the company portal.

• Manage invoice submissions, approvals, and queries.

• Monitor supplier corporate rate documentation to ensure accuracy and circulate updates within the business.

• Liaise with stakeholders regarding upcoming travel and other related requests.

• Organise monthly 'Lunch and Learn' sessions for relevant audiences.

• Facilitate familiarisation events with local suppliers to encourage business expenditure and promote suitable providers.

Health & Safety Support:

• Arrange H&S training, including Fire Warden and First Aid courses.

• Assist with DSE requests and ergonomic assessments.

• Support H&S team travel and event planning.

• Manage invoice submissions, approvals, and queries.

What are we looking for?

• No prior experience is required, though some experience in an administrative and/or support role within a fast-paced, corporate environment would be beneficial.

• Good working knowledge of MS applications, such as Excel and Word.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to work independently, under pressure, and with minimal supervision.

• Strong problem-solving skills that apply clear reasoning and sound rationale.

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