At a Glance
- Tasks: Support M&A transactions, manage documentation, and ensure smooth operational delivery.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee-owned culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the insurance industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational support, strong IT skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
The role
As a Senior Operations Associate, you’ll provide senior‐level operational support to the Howden M&A team, owning complex operational activity across the lifecycle of M&A insurance transactions. The role exists to ensure high‐quality operational delivery, strong control and effective coordination from initiation through to premium settlement, while supporting brokers, clients and markets with confidence and judgement.
What you’ll do
- Own day‐to‐day operational support for M&A transactions from initiation through to settlement of premium.
- Take responsibility for the accurate and timely preparation, review and management of complex transaction documentation.
- Act as a key operational point of contact for clients, underwriters, brokers and internal teams.
- Maintain and oversee repository files, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate and appropriately stored.
- Ensure records on company systems are accurate, up to date and maintained to a high standard.
- Support compliance with internal procedures, identifying and resolving issues proactively.
- Monitor post‐completion deliverables and follow up to ensure obligations are met.
- Support and guide junior team members on operational processes and documentation standards.
- Assist with client due diligence activities, applying judgement to identify and escalate issues where required.
- Complete and review data entry, data computation and operational updates on company systems and spreadsheets.
- Support invoicing, payment tracking and monitoring of inward and outward payments, resolving discrepancies as they arise.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with brokers and markets to support effective transaction delivery.
Who we’re looking for
- Proven experience in a senior operational or transactional support role within insurance, financial services or a professional services environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing complex documentation and operational processes with minimal supervision.
- Experience acting as a trusted operational contact for internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong experience handling confidential information and applying sound judgement in sensitive situations.
- Evidence of managing competing priorities across multiple transactions and deadlines.
- Experience supporting or overseeing junior colleagues and maintaining team standards.
- Strong IT capability, with advanced experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook in an operational context.
- A degree or equivalent professional experience is desirable.
- Experience or exposure to insurance, M&A or transactional environments is desirable.
- Strong written and verbal English, with the ability to communicate information clearly.
- Good numeracy skills, with confidence working with figures or data relevant to the role.
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.
Operations Associate employer: London Insurance Life
Howden is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and a collaborative culture, making it a standout choice for those seeking meaningful work in the insurance sector. With a strong focus on work/life balance, career progression, and sustainability, employees are empowered to drive change while enjoying a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation. Located in London, the role of Operations Associate offers unique opportunities for professional growth and the chance to be part of a dynamic international team dedicated to excellence in M&A insurance transactions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Howden on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Howden's culture and values. They love a no-limits mindset, so think of examples where you've pushed boundaries or collaborated effectively in teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your operational skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex documentation and supported teams in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Operations Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in operational support and M&A transactions, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong IT skills, especially with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. We want to see how you can leverage these tools to manage complex documentation and operational processes effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your experience and achievements, as we appreciate clarity and good communication skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Insurance Life
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Operations Associate at Howden. Familiarise yourself with M&A processes and the specific operational tasks mentioned in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage complex documentation and support operational processes. Be ready to discuss how you've handled competing priorities and maintained high standards, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their team culture and how they collaborate on M&A transactions. This shows that you value teamwork and are eager to fit into their unique culture.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves working with data and documentation, brush up on your IT skills, especially in Microsoft Excel. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles to support decision-making or improve processes, as this will highlight your analytical capabilities.
