Business Assurance Business Partner - Reinsurance

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? We are currently seeking a Business Assurance Business Partner to support the Business Assurance Manager and Head of Business Assurance in maintaining the first-line review framework for Howden Re. Business Assurance, part of the Business Services function, provides first-line, independent audit services across the Howden Group. This role involves close collaboration with the Business Assurance audit team to ensure the successful delivery of audit plans and objectives. You will act as a key point of contact for the business, monitoring and tracking audit findings. This is a varied and engaging position where you’ll promote and embed best practice, analyse root causes, and coach staff. You’ll be assigned specific projects and targeted reviews, assessing business processes against policies, procedures, systems, and controls, and providing recommendations for improvement. You’ll also be responsible for chairing and reporting on the monthly Business Assurance Committee. This is a full-time, permanent position that can either be based remotely or from any of our UK regional offices (with a preference for Milton Keynes).

What will you be doing?

• Planning/Reporting: Oversee Business Assurance file audits for Reinsurance Divisions.
• Review, share and promote best practice.
• Identify and report on poor practice and share repeated issues with staff.
• Coaching of staff, as required, in conjunction with their own line managers.
• Onboard Divisions / Teams into the BA process of file auditing.
• Acts as a point of liaison within the Operating Entities regarding Business Assurance matters.
• Manages assigned projects and contributes to other projects as required.
• Technical: Contribute towards the Business Assurance Framework, in order to provide risk-based assurance to the Operating Units Governance Committees on adherence to regulatory expectations and internal standards.
• Review and respond to queries raised by offshore audit team.
• Review and respond to queries raised by the Business.
• Review and support in relation to Near Misses.
• Provide advice and recommendations on how to improve/mitigate risks.
• Prepare and circulate reports / committee packs, capturing all key information and highlighting risks, priorities, recommendations and presents findings to senior management teams.
• Chair the Business Assurance Reinsurance Committee.
• Working with the other teams within the Business to ensure that remedial action is addressed and monitored.
• Track identified actions, periodically assessing progress.
• Provide updates on progress on remedial action plans to the Head of Business Assurance to drive decision making and action.
• Keeps informed of all regulatory and legal changes which impacts on the job role.
• Ensures up to date records are maintained at all times on the Company systems.

What are we looking for?

• 1–2 years’ experience in a similar role, ideally within reinsurance broking or reinsurance audit, though we’re also open to candidates with a general insurance background.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of regulatory application within the reinsurance broking sector.
• Broad knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Solid understanding of reinsurance principles, products, and services.
• Ideally, experience in a compliance, monitoring, or audit 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.