New Business Account Handler - Commercial & Schemes in Colchester

Company Overview

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.

Position

Join Howden’s Schemes division as a New Business Account Handler, based in either Colchester or Burnham on Crouch. This target‑driven, full‑time, permanent role requires you to work in the office two days per week. You will manage new business opportunities within the residential and commercial property renovation sector, offer bespoke insurance solutions to clients undertaking renovation or self‑build projects, build strong client and insurer relationships, and contribute to the team’s overall success.

Responsibilities

• Organise and manage personal work activities to achieve team objectives and meet agreed targets
• Manage assigned projects and contribute to other projects as required
• Review client documentation to ensure comprehensive and accurate information is presented 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 queries as appropriate
• Produce high‑quality market documentation, securing appropriate authorisations
• 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 organisation of records
• Adhere to company policies, procedures, and obtain required authorisations
• Foster and nurture positive relationships with colleagues and external contacts
• Provide support and assistance to senior colleagues and/or their clients on request
• Deal with or refer client enquiries, renewals, and mid‑term adjustments

Skills

• Minimum 18 months of general insurance knowledge
• Minimum 18 months of sales experience
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to short deadlines
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Knowledge of Acturis system is desirable
• Proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word

Qualifications

• GCSE in Maths & English
• A levels (desirable)
• Cert CII and above (desirable)

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. We value diversity – there is no one Howden type. We support each other in both 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 to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working, where possible.

Application Note

If you are 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 getting you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

About Howden

Permanent Howden began in 1994, growing from three people and a dog to 23,000 employees. We manage $37bn of premiums and are a leading global insurance group. Our largest shareholder group is us – the people who work in the business – supported by three long‑term, minority growth‑equity partners. The owner’s mindset is embedded in our culture; we take ownership of our decisions, actions, and outputs, driving the business forward together for extraordinary results.