Global D&I Senior Specialist

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 you'll do… The Global Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Senior Specialist will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion across Howden. This individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster inclusion as part of our People First culture, develop equitable practices, and align Howden’s D&I strategy with its global business objectives.

• Strategy Development and Execution: Collaborate with the Group D&I Manager to refine and execute the global D&I strategy, ensuring alignment with Howden’s People First values and 2030 business goals. Identify key trends, benchmarks, and best practices in D&I globally to inform innovative programs and policies. Establish short- and long-term goals, metrics, and KPIs to measure the success of D&I initiatives globally.
• Program Development: Design and manage D&I programs, partner with regional stakeholders to tailor initiatives to meet the cultural and regulatory needs of diverse geographies.
• Partnerships and Collaboration: Act as a trusted advisor to leaders and teams, providing guidance on D&I-related issues and opportunities. Support inclusive hiring practices by collaborating with HR and recruitment teams to implement equitable talent acquisition strategies. Partner with learning and development teams to create training programs on unconscious bias, cultural competency, and inclusive leadership. Build strong relationships with external organisations, industry associations, and community organisations to enhance the company’s D&I impact.
• Data and Reporting: Analyse data to assess the effectiveness of D&I programs and identify areas for improvement. Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for advancing D&I goals. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Culture and Engagement: Foster a culture of belonging by promoting initiatives that support underrepresented groups and amplify diverse voices. Actively engage employees at all levels to drive awareness and participation in D&I efforts. Serve as a change agent, challenging norms and encouraging the adoption of inclusive practices.

The kind of skills we'll need… To be successful in this role, you should have:

• 5+ years of experience in diversity and inclusion, or a related field, with a focus on global or multicultural environments.
• Experience in project management and leading cross-functional initiatives.
• Deep understanding of D&I principles, strategies, and best practices.
• Understanding of the difference of deliverable KPIs and impact KPIs.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and develop actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, including the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences.
• Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in a global, multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

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.