SME Account Handler - Commercial & Schemes in Bristol

Who are we? 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.

At Howden - Commercial & Schemes, commercial insurance isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. We support our clients through the complex landscape of commercial risk. We understand the diverse needs of businesses from large corporates to emerging ventures, meticulously crafting bespoke solutions to empower businesses to navigate uncertainty and achieve unwavering growth. Our depth of commercial insurance expertise allows us to protect client’s assets and fuel their progress. When our clients prosper, we celebrate success with them; when challenges arise, we provide unwavering support.

We are seeking an Account Handler to support our team for the administration of clients’ insurance requirements, including general enquiries, renewals, mid-term adjustments, obtaining quotations and invoicing of premiums. Dealing with our SME Clients, you will have a passion for providing excellent service to your clients and be excited about the prospect of working with a growing insurance broker that’s making a real impact in the market. Become a valued member of our team, committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients. We foster both personal and professional development, making this role an excellent starting point for those aspiring to advance to an account executive. This is a full-time, permanent role, with the flexibility to work three days a week in our Bristol office, ensuring a balanced work experience.

Overview:

• Assist in achieving Group/Division client retention targets by providing an excellent level of service.
• Liaise effectively with the Account Executive to ensure an appropriate strategy for renewal, attend client meetings as necessary and action meeting points (if applicable).
• Undertake market exercises to establish the most competitive terms available.
• Obtain renewal terms and present to client.
• Issue renewal documentation in line with contract certainty.
• Ensure premiums are collected prior to the commencement of cover and in line with Howden procedures.
• Handle all queries, whether written or by telephone, in a professional manner and process effectively in line with service standards.
• Record all relevant information, correspondence and documentation on Acturis and make effective use of the diary system.
• Produce accurate and professional documentation at all times using relevant Howden templates.
• Process adjustments in line with procedures, including notification to insurers, issue of revised documentation, and collection of additional premium.
• Actively cross-sell products from other Divisions.
• Liaise with and assist other branches and Group Resources as necessary.

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of all the main classes of General Insurance and the CII’s Code of Ethics and GDPR.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience dealing with commercial clients.

Skills:

• A good level of technical insurance skills, to be assessed by regular in-house testing.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to process work quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
• Excellent client service skills.
• Good negotiation and broking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to gather and analyse information from the client.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to an individual client’s level of understanding.
• Ability to persuade and influence others.

Qualifications:

• GCSEs A-C in Maths & English.
• Cert CII (desirable).

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.