At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide operational support to the EMEA leadership team and manage various administrative tasks.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a strong employee ownership culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, hybrid working environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Qualifications: GCSEs with good grades, strong communication skills, and proficiency in IT.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
What we’re looking for: This is an exciting role providing operational support for various members of the EMEA leadership team. The primary aim of the Team PA role is providing administrative support to the team along with ad hoc matters. As the team handle confidential information from a number of sources, the successful role holder should be discrete and able to communicate in a diplomatic manner. The team are mainly London based and it is expected that the role will be most successful through hybrid working.
You will thrive in this role if you are extremely organised, with excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to form relationships quickly. The role requires outstanding IT skills, including MS Office products such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word, as well as the use of AI agents such as Copilot, Claude and/or Chat GPT which the business will provide you with. Additionally, you will be confident and able to take the initiative coupled with excellent time management skills. The ability to adapt priorities to meet deadlines and constantly changing demands are essential, as are accuracy and attention to detail. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast growing team.
What you’ll be doing:
- Diary management and proactive time management of competing requests
- Booking travel and arranging logistics internationally and in the UK
- Arranging lunches, dinners and team events
- Booking meeting rooms & organising catering internally, both for the UK office as well as abroad
- Providing administrative support including but not limited to formatting documents, reports and committee packs along with help in the preparation and organisation of business meetings
- Assisting the team with tracking actions and meeting reporting deadlines
- Responding appropriately to urgent issues as they arise
- Handling confidential information in a discrete, sensitive and diplomatic manner
- Assisting with hiring requirements and onboarding of new starters within the team
- Assisting in the creation and management of shared platforms to encourage distribution of priorities within the wider team
- Organising relevant training for the team and highlighting market events/conferences that may be of interest
What qualifications we’re looking for:
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including good grades in English and Maths
- A levels preferred
- Strong social skills – confident and able to create a positive impression
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work effectively within a team
- Pragmatic and confident with a ‘can do’ attitude
- Strong attention to detail and great prioritisation and organisational skills
- Understanding the importance of maintaining confidentiality and discretion at all times
- Proficient IT skills, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
- Beginner skills in using AI agents to boost one’s own productivity
- English fluency is essential; an additional EMEA language is advantageous
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.
Team PA - EMEA in London employer: Howden
Howden is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration and employee ownership, making it a unique place to work. With a strong emphasis on work/life balance, career progression, and sustainability, employees are empowered to drive change in a supportive environment. The hybrid working model and commitment to reasonable adjustments further enhance the appeal of this role, allowing for flexibility while being part of a dynamic international team based in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team PA - EMEA in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Howden!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Howden.
We think you need these skills to ace Team PA - EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Howden. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Howden and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Howden. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Howden's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Howden.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Howden will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Howden and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
