At a Glance
- Tasks: Generate new business opportunities and build relationships with potential clients.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a defined career path, work-life balance, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Perth with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the insurance market while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Sales experience preferred; insurance knowledge is a bonus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Howden – Commercial & Schemes are on the hunt for a Business Development Executive to join our highly successful team and develop your experience and career within the insurance market. This is a lead-generation focused role to identify opportunities, generate pipeline, and support new business growth.
You will be responsible for engaging with potential clients using telephone and e-mail, developing early-stage relationships that convert into high-quality opportunities for our account brokers. The Business Development Executive will demonstrate strong communication skills, resilience, and the ability to build rapport quickly while maximising new business opportunities.
Please note this is a full-time, permanent opportunity. You will be based in our Perth office and be onsite for 5 days per week.
Overview:- Proactively generate new business opportunities through outbound telesales activity across the Schemes teams.
- Research, identify, and contact prospective clients to create a consistent and high-quality new business pipeline.
- Qualify prospects effectively before passing warm opportunities to the relevant Account Brokers.
- Effectively communicating with prospects to secure commitment, including return of proposal forms.
- Accurately record all prospect activity, outcomes, and next actions on Acturis, ensuring pipelines are always up to date.
- Positively engaging with marketing campaigns, projects and initiatives.
- Work closely with Account Brokers and Team Leaders to align prospecting activity with specific strategies and targets.
- Maintaining an up-to-date understanding of competitors, market activity and positioning.
- Monitoring competitor activity and recommending tactical actions where appropriate.
- Planning and managing workload and diary to maximise productivity.
- Build initial rapport with prospective clients and deliver a strong first impression of Howden.
- Knowledge of Commercial Insurance is desirable but not essential.
- Acturis knowledge is preferred but not required (training will be provided).
- Strong telephone-based sales and prospecting skills.
- Confident, professional, and engaging communication style.
- Ability to handle objections and remain resilient.
- Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage volume activity while maintaining quality conversations.
- Strong time management and the ability to prioritise effectively.
- Results-driven mindset with a proactive approach to meeting targets.
- Ability to build rapport quickly with a wide variety of clients.
- Competent IT skills, including CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
- Previous experience in telesales, lead generation, or a sales-based role is preferred.
- Insurance experience is advantageous but not essential.
- Willingness to work towards professional insurance qualifications (Cert CII desirable).
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.
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.
Business Development Executive - Commercial & Schemes in Perth employer: Howden Group
Howden is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and employee ownership, making it a standout choice for those seeking a fulfilling career in the insurance sector. Located in Perth, our office offers a supportive environment where work-life balance, professional growth, and community engagement are prioritised, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful change. With opportunities for career progression and a commitment to diversity, Howden is dedicated to empowering its employees to define their own paths and succeed together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive - Commercial & Schemes in Perth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Howden and its culture before your interview. Research their values and recent projects, so you can show how you align with their no-limits mindset. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about engaging with potential clients, try role-playing conversations with a friend or family member. The more comfortable you are on the phone, the better you'll perform in real situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you; reach out to your network and let them know you're looking for a role at Howden. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Howden team. Don’t miss out on this chance to kickstart your career!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive - Commercial & Schemes in Perth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Development Executive role. Highlight any relevant sales experience, especially in lead generation or telesales, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the insurance industry and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about joining Howden!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with potential clients, make sure your application demonstrates your strong communication skills. Whether it’s through your writing style or how you present your experiences, let us see your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our awesome team at Howden!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Howden and its position in the insurance market. Understand their values and culture, as well as the specifics of the Business Development Executive role. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Since this role involves a lot of communication and lead generation, practice your telephone skills. Prepare a brief pitch about yourself and your experience, focusing on how it aligns with the responsibilities of the role. This will help you sound confident and engaging during the interview.
✨Show Resilience
The job requires handling objections and maintaining a positive attitude. Be ready to discuss times when you've faced challenges in sales or lead generation and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for success in this role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, how success is measured in the role, or what the training process looks like. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.