Summary:
The Account Executive is responsible for a portfolio of clients and prospects with accountability for the retention of clients and new business development. Will manage and develop client and Willis Towers Watson relationships and grow the portfolio. The Account Executive is responsible for targeting and converting prospects as well as broking into Lloyds and company markets.
The Role:
- Understand, apply and where necessary explain the BU policies and procedures
- Identify primary budget holders and decision makers within clients, establish and maintain active relationships with these people
- Provide technical, industry and subject matter expertise where required
- Liaise with clients and build strong relationships
- Grow existing portfolio by identifying new new, and/or existing opportunities
- Lead and deliver the end to end ongoing client service, adhering to standardised policies, procedures and service standards
- Support the BU in accurate budgeting, forecasting and tracking of revenue
- Deliver high levels of client service in line with standard operating procedures
- Manage client pricing to ensure each client meets agreed target profitability levels
- Proactively develop appropriate solutions and proposals for clients to ensure optimum client retention rates
- Communicate effectively with clients, associates, markets and others where appropriate to maximise service delivery levels
- Development of service plans that define the engagement and timing of engagement with the client
- Manage KPIs/SLAs to ensure targets are met
- Ensure adherence to Group policies, procedures and all regulatory requirements
- Provide feedback on corrective action required to retain clients or enhance process performance, actively supporting the implementation of any actions that are put in place
- Responsibility for supporting the drive of the sales process and business area practice activity in relation to winning, retaining and developing profitable new clients
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospects including research, initiation of contact, meetings, responding to RFPs, new business presentations, accurately maintaining the CRM database in order to create and convert sales opportunities
- Respond quickly and accurately to new business introductions
- Actively identify opportunities to work with colleagues across the business to capitalise on account penetration and cross selling opportunities
- Develop and maintain knowledge of relevant products and services offered by Willis Towers Watson
- Networking – internally with other BUs, within the sector, and with external specialists (lawyers, TPAs, insurers).
- Work closely and maintain working relationships with key market contacts (and the Business leads) as required
- Ensure transparency of agency and other commitments made to carriers and clients
- Manage compliant processing of contracts as per FCA and contract certainty requirements
- Assist with loading of data into the relevant Willis Towers Watson Systems
- Check policies, market presentations and client documentation as appropriate
- Assist with and design programme and pricing structures to best meet the client’s needs based on knowledge of the client, the insurance market and industry sector proposition
- Deliver optimisation of revenue from new and existing clients through the use of the full range of appropriate placement channels and markets for the specific client segment of the business
- Ability to understand a client or prospect’s business, situations, opportunities, problems and key issues
- Ability to manage relationships and negotiate placement with the insurance market
- Prepare client and prospect presentations considering the impact of client profitability
- Work with Sales Team in determining appropriate solutions and structuring and pricing the deal
- Identify appropriate markets and determine placing strategy
- Create and grow relationships with underwriters in London and international markets
- Experience in pricing and designing conceptual programmes
- Participate in information gathering exercises
- Ensure ongoing compliance with Willis Towers Watson guidelines and procedures
- Ensure good relationships and communication with other Willis Towers Watson colleagues
- A thorough understanding and an expert real time user for all relevant systems
- Support the overall operational governance and decision making process for BU
- Support management and Willis in the management of risks applicable to BU
- Any other duties commensurate with position or level of responsibility
- Maintain relevant qualifications required for the role
Qualifications
What you'll bring:
- Preferably ACII qualified or working towards the ACII qualification
- Preferably educated to degree level or relevant industry experience
- Proven track record of delivering high levels of client service and broking
- Strong practical knowledge of account development and appropriate tools to achieve this aim
- Experienced knowledge of insurance markets globally in order to deal effectively with client and Willis Towers Watson needs.
- Experienced at new business sales process and track record of converting prospects to clients
- Skilled at building effective relationships, at all levels, with clients, prospects, associates, insurers and external specialists
- Ability to represent the practice and Willis Towers Watson with integrity and credibility
- Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills
- Experience of working with and adhering to processes and systems to support client service delivery
What We Offer
Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.
We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@wtwco.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Account Executive in Ipswich
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like WTW. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to WTW.
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How to prepare for a job interview at WTW
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with WTW.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former WTW employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.