From day one, our mission has been to create an independent business with a unique culture – one that is controlled by the people who work for it. Finding the most talented and entrepreneurial people has always been key to our success.
People come to Howden for lots of different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. That’s what sets us apart, and why we nurture and retain the best talent in the market. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
Role Definition
We are looking for an experienced insurance or legal professional to join and help grow our small claims team. You will handle claims across a range of classes of business in multiple jurisdictions, in accordance with the binding authority agreements. There will be opportunities to participate in business development alongside underwriters, providing claims support and feedback to key external stakeholders.
The role will focus on dealing with technical UK real estate and probate claims, and the more straightforward EEA commercial claims. There will be opportunities to take on more contentious cases as the role progresses.
Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities
1. To take responsibility for personal caseload, always maintaining an excellent standard of professionalism and service in written and verbal communications.
2. To ensure that claims are handled in line with expected standards and in accordance with binding authority agreements with Insurers and regulatory and legal requirements.
3. To provide regular reports to the Head of Claims regarding the progress of personal caseload.
4. To provide status reports to the Insurers regarding matters falling outside delegated claims handling authority, with particular focus on large losses.
5. To provide technical support to the underwriting team regarding claims activities, excess and exclusion options, and other wording assistance which might be needed when dealing with contentious risks.
6. To support the Head of Claims in training and mentoring junior colleagues, and ongoing support necessary for the progression of the team.
7. To act as a referral for sign-off for by junior colleagues, as appropriate.
8. To develop good working relationships with our claims contacts at the various Insurers.
9. To identify and report claims trends to the Head of Claims.
Skills and abilities needed to perform role
10. Self-motivated with a willingness to learn and develop.
11. The ability to work independently and efficiently is a key skill required for this role, whilst remaining a team player.
12. Good organisational skills and ability to set realistic deadlines.
13. Good analytical skills and the ability to identify solutions to problems in a timely matter.
14. Methodical, accurate and strong attention to detail.
15. Ability to communicate effectively and confidently with internal and external contacts.
16. All-round awareness of those aspects of the insurance industry that have a direct bearing on key responsibilities and accountabilities.
17. Competent IT skills with a focus on Excel.
18. Resilient and calm under pressure.
Knowledge and Experience
19. Ideal candidate would have:3 years+ experience handling legal indemnity (or other classes of liability) claims, or5 years+ experience underwriting legal indemnity or other classes of liability insurance, orA legal background dealing with real estate and/or contract/insurance law.
20. Experienced applicants will be able to demonstrate the following areas of expertise (less experienced applicants will be able to demonstrate these areas following a period of training):Good understanding of the general principles of insurance.Good understanding of the markets within which DUAL Asset operates including an awareness of competitors.Good knowledge of claims-handling processes and regulations.Good understanding of Consumer Duty (and other FCA requirements).
Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities
21. Remain compliant with FCA requirements.
22. Obtain appropriate approvals to ensure compliance with company policy, binding authority agreements and regulatory requirements and rules.
23. Ensure that own performance, HR and Training and Competence records are up to date and meet the Company’s requirements.
24. Maintain accurate records and deal with correspondence appropriately.
25. Operates in an honest, professional, and ethical manner.
Professional Qualifications
26. Educated to A level standard – Grade A-C (or equivalent)
27. Progression towards gaining professional qualifications (CII) is desired, but not essential.
Our Culture: People First
We’ve travelled far since opening our first office in 1994. Back then we were local experts – based in London, with direct access to the world’s biggest insurance market. We’re still locals, and we still deliver the right advice and the right insurance to our clients. But now, we’re local all over the world. With 15,000 global colleagues and a partner network spanning more than 100 territories, we are the largest independent insurance broker in the world. But our values haven’t changed since day one, when we set out to create a company grounded in:
• An employee-ownership model
• Aligned external investors
• The trust and integrity born of friendship
• Expertise
• Independence
Our focus on being a people-first business has always been at the very heart of Howden. Our vision was to create an independent business with a unique culture; one that would survive and thrive as a business controlled by the people working for it. Our employee ownership model sets us apart in the market. It’s created a culture of collaboration and innovation, where we’re driven to think bigger and empowered to challenge convention.
Our flat structure and entrepreneurial spirit help us attract the best people and empower them to be the best version of themselves. And when we bring in and nurture great talent, more follows. That makes us better – and that’s better for everyone.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Howden we consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness and respect, regardless of their age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or family circumstances.
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