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Account Handler - Corporate & Commercial

Howden
Full-time
On-site
Derby, United Kingdom
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Account Handler - Corporate & Commercial

πŸ”Ή Company: Howden

πŸ”Ή Location: Derby, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Insurance

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 9, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 2-5 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in office)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Supporting clients' insurance requirements, including general enquiries, new business, renewals, and invoicing
  • Liaising with clients to resolve queries and ensure comprehensive information for quoting
  • Managing personal work activities to achieve team objectives and meet agreed targets
  • Participating in team meetings and reporting on business progress
  • Managing assigned projects and contributing to other projects as required

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of administrative tasks, client communication, and project management. It requires a good understanding of commercial insurance and strong organizational skills.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Organise and manage personal work activities to achieve team objectives and meet agreed targets

βœ… Participate in team meetings, reporting on business progress within your area of expertise

βœ… Manage assigned projects and contribute to other projects as required

βœ… Review client documentation to ensure comprehensive and accurate information is presented for the quoting process

βœ… Collate and communicate client requirements to ensure appropriate marketing of the risk

βœ… Liaise with clients to resolve queries and respond to market and third-party queries as appropriate

βœ… Produce high-quality market documentation, securing appropriate authorisations

βœ… Take ownership for data entry, credit control, and chasing subjectivities when required

βœ… Work with underwriters to place insurance that balances quality, coverage, and price

βœ… Process data promptly and accurately on relevant systems to support client service and internal processes

βœ… Maintain accurate and timely documentation for clients, ensuring proper organisation of records

βœ… Conduct due diligence/sanctions checks in line with company procedures

βœ… Adhere to company policies, procedures, and obtain required authorisations

βœ… Foster and nurture positive relationships with colleagues and external contacts

βœ… Provide support and assistance to senior colleagues and/or their clients on request

βœ… Deal with or refer client enquiries, renewals, and mid-term adjustments

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent client service skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: GCSEs A-C in Maths & English

Experience: Minimum of 2 years' experience dealing with SME or commercial clients

Required Skills:

  • Good level of technical insurance skills
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to process work quickly and efficiently
  • Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines
  • Excellent client service skills
  • Good negotiation and broking skills
  • Ability to gather and analyse information from the client
  • Ability to identify and respond appropriately to an individual client’s level of understanding

Preferred Skills:

  • Cert CII (desirable)
  • Acturis (desirable)

ASSUMPTION: While Cert CII and Acturis are desirable, the role is open to candidates with a minimum of 2 years' experience and a good level of technical insurance skills.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£25,000 - Β£35,000 per annum (based on experience and industry standards for Account Handlers in the UK)

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary
  • Pension scheme
  • Private medical insurance
  • Life assurance
  • Income protection
  • Employee assistance programme
  • 25 days' annual leave
  • Flexible working hours
  • Hybrid working arrangement

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the option to work 2-3 days per week in the Derby office

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for Account Handlers in the UK with 2-5 years of experience.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Howden is a collective of insurance professionals operating in the commercial insurance sector. They support clients through the complex landscape of commercial risk, providing bespoke solutions to empower businesses to navigate uncertainty and achieve growth.

Company Size: Howden has 150 employees in the UK, offering a medium-sized company environment where employees can make a significant impact.

Founded: Howden was founded in 2000 and has since grown to become a leading international insurance broker.

Company Description:

  • Howden supports clients through the complex landscape of commercial risk
  • They provide bespoke solutions to empower businesses to navigate uncertainty and achieve growth
  • Howden's depth of commercial insurance expertise allows them to protect client’s assets and fuel their progress

Company Specialties:

  • Life & pensions
  • Mortgages
  • Commercial insurance
  • Personal insurance
  • Financial services
  • Employee benefits

Company Website: Howden Ireland

ASSUMPTION: Howden Ireland is used as a reference for company information, as the provided company URL is for the Irish branch.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in commercial insurance, seeking to develop their career in an Account Handler position.

Reporting Structure: The Account Handler will report directly to the Account Executive or Team Leader.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with the option to work 2-3 days per week in the Derby office.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to Senior Account Handler or Account Executive roles
  • Expanding technical knowledge and gaining experience in different classes of insurance
  • Potential to work on international accounts and gain exposure to global markets

ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities are based on the company's size, industry, and the typical career progression for Account Handler roles.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Howden's Derby office is a modern, professional environment with a collaborative team culture.

Office Location(s): 48 Ringsend Road, Dublin 4, County Dublin (Headquarters), with a presence in Derby, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

  • Derby is a city in the East Midlands of England, with a population of approximately 250,000
  • The city is known for its rich history in manufacturing and engineering
  • Derby has good transport links, with easy access to major motorways and a direct train line to London

Work Schedule: The Account Handler will work a standard 40-hour week, with the option to work 2-3 days per week in the Derby office.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is based on typical insurance brokerage office settings, with a focus on collaboration and client service.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and CV submission
  • Phone or video screening with the HR team
  • Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with the Head of Department or Director

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Technical insurance knowledge
  • Client service skills
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication and interpersonal skills

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of commercial insurance and the role's responsibilities
  • Prepare examples of how you have handled complex client queries or projects in the past

ATS Keywords: Account Handler, Commercial Insurance, Client Service, Negotiation, Broking, Technical Insurance Skills, Attention to Detail, Data Entry, Credit Control, Project Management, Communication, Analytical Skills, Relationship Management, Due Diligence, Sanctions Checks, Organizational Skills, Time Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process and interview structure are based on typical recruitment practices for insurance brokerage firms.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Acturis (desirable)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Insurance industry-specific software and platforms

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies are based on industry standards for insurance brokerage roles and the company's preferred software.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Bravery
  • Support
  • Determination

Work Style:

  • Collaborative
  • Client-focused
  • Results-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you have a proven track record of providing excellent client service in a commercial insurance setting?
  • Are you comfortable working in a collaborative team environment and supporting colleagues as needed?
  • Do you have strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines?

ASSUMPTION: The company values and work style are based on the information provided in the job description and typical insurance brokerage firm cultures.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing a high volume of client queries and renewals
  • Dealing with complex insurance products and coverage details
  • Working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Adapting to changes in the insurance market and regulatory landscape

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges are based on typical aspects of commercial insurance roles and the company's size and industry.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other Account Handler roles, this position may offer more exposure to international accounts and global markets
  • In the commercial insurance industry, this role is typical for a medium-sized brokerage firm, with a focus on client service and technical expertise
  • Career progression in this role may follow a similar path to other Account Handler positions, with the opportunity to advance to Senior Account Handler or Account Executive roles

ASSUMPTION: The role comparison is based on industry standards for commercial insurance roles and typical career progression paths.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Managing the renewal process for a large corporate client with complex insurance requirements
  • Collaborating with underwriters to place coverage for a high-risk, niche industry client
  • Developing and implementing a client communication strategy to improve client satisfaction and retention

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects are based on typical responsibilities and initiatives for an Account Handler in a commercial insurance setting.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does this role contribute to the team's and company's overall objectives?
  • What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
  • How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
  • What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

ASSUMPTION: The interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, the company culture, and growth opportunities.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for interview questions related to your technical insurance knowledge, client service skills, and problem-solving abilities
  • Follow up with the HR team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.