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Account Handler - Corporate & Commercial

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

πŸ“Œ Core Information

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

πŸ”Ή Company: Howden

πŸ”Ή Location: Cheltenham - The Quadrangle, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2-3 days on-site)

πŸ”Ή Category: Insurance

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 9, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 0-2 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Handling corporate and commercial insurance accounts
  • Providing exceptional customer service to landlord clients
  • Processing adjustments, renewals, and client payments
  • Collaborating with senior staff and attending meetings as required

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of administrative tasks and client interaction, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and customer service.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Prioritize and handle all work promptly and accurately

βœ… Handle queries, whether written or by telephone, in a professional manner

βœ… Produce accurate and professional documentation

βœ… Process adjustments, including notification to insurers, revised documentation, and additional premiums

βœ… Refer complex queries to senior staff

βœ… Conduct re-marketing exercises and issue renewal documentation

βœ… Deal with client payments in line with Howden procedures

βœ… Participate in meetings as required

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of routine tasks and problem-solving, with a focus on maintaining high service standards.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: 5 GCSEs A*-C including Maths and English

Experience: A minimum of 12 months' customer service and administrative experience

Required Skills:

  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to process work quickly and efficiently, meeting deadlines
  • Good literacy and numeracy
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively

Preferred Skills:

  • Previous experience in the insurance industry
  • Knowledge of commercial insurance products

ASSUMPTION: While specific insurance industry experience is not required, it would be beneficial for candidates to have some understanding of commercial insurance products.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£18,000 - Β£22,000 per annum (Estimated, based on industry standards for entry-level account handler roles in the UK insurance sector)

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Opportunities for career progression within a growing organization
  • Flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments

Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level account handler roles in the UK insurance sector. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the company's internal salary structure.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Howden operates in the insurance industry, specializing in corporate and commercial insurance. The company is known for its collaborative and innovative approach to insurance, with a strong focus on customer service.

Company Size: Howden is a mid-sized company with around 200-500 employees globally, providing a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Founded: Howden was founded in 2016, making it a relatively new player in the insurance industry with a strong growth trajectory.

Company Description:

  • Howden is a collective of talented insurance professionals united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset
  • The company offers a range of insurance services, including life and pensions, mortgages, commercial insurance, personal insurance, and employee benefits
  • Howden's culture is built on supporting each other, being determined to make a positive difference, and embracing new ideas

Company Specialties:

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

Company Website: https://www.howden.ie

ASSUMPTION: Howden's focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer service makes it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a supportive and dynamic work environment in the insurance industry.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for entry-level candidates or those with up to 2 years of experience in a similar role. It offers an opportunity to develop skills and gain experience in the insurance industry.

Reporting Structure: The Account Handler will report directly to the Commercial Schemes team and work closely with senior staff to ensure high service standards are maintained.

Work Arrangement: This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with candidates expected to be on-site for 2-3 days per week. During training, full-time on-site attendance will be required.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Progression to senior account handler or team leader roles
  • Expanding knowledge of insurance products and services
  • Developing skills in client relationship management and business development

ASSUMPTION: This role provides an excellent foundation for a career in the insurance industry, with opportunities for growth and development based on individual performance and the company's expansion.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Howden's Cheltenham office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support employee productivity and well-being.

Office Location(s): Cheltenham - The Quadrangle, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

  • Cheltenham is a vibrant town in the Cotswolds, offering a mix of urban and rural living
  • The office is conveniently located near public transportation and amenities
  • The region is known for its beautiful countryside, historic buildings, and cultural attractions

Work Schedule: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site)

ASSUMPTION: Howden's Cheltenham office provides a supportive and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for both on-site and remote work.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and CV submission
  • Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
  • Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and a member of the team
  • Final interview with the head of the department

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Customer service skills and experience
  • Administrative skills and attention to detail
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the insurance industry and Howden's unique selling points
  • Prepare examples of your customer service and problem-solving skills to discuss during the interview

ATS Keywords: Account Handler, Corporate & Commercial, Customer Service, Administrative Skills, Attention to Detail, Literacy, Numeracy, Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Relationship Building

ASSUMPTION: Howden's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on customer service, administrative, and interpersonal skills.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Insurance industry-specific software and systems
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the company's internal systems and the candidate's assigned tasks.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • 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

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and supportive team environment
  • Focus on customer service and high-quality work
  • Openness to new ideas and continuous learning

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you embrace new ideas and approaches to problem-solving?
  • Are you committed to providing exceptional customer service?
  • Do you thrive in a collaborative and supportive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Howden's company values and work style emphasize collaboration, innovation, and customer service, making it an attractive employer for candidates who share these priorities.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Handling complex client queries and issues
  • Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high service standards
  • Adapting to a dynamic and evolving work environment
  • Balancing on-site and remote work responsibilities effectively

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong problem-solving skills, effective time management, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Account Executive vs. Account Handler: Account Executives typically have more client-facing responsibilities and may be involved in business development, while Account Handlers focus more on day-to-day account management and administration
  • Insurance industry context: Howden's focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer service sets it apart from more traditional insurance companies
  • Career path comparison: This role offers an opportunity to develop skills and gain experience in the insurance industry, with potential progression to senior account handler or team leader roles

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares some similarities with other account handler positions in the insurance industry, Howden's unique culture and focus on collaboration set it apart from more traditional insurance companies.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a new client onboarding process to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction
  • Analyzing client data to identify trends and opportunities for upselling or cross-selling insurance products
  • Collaborating with the marketing team to create targeted campaigns for specific client segments

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that an Account Handler in this role might undertake, highlighting the opportunity for both routine tasks and strategic initiatives.

❓ 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 support the team's and company's overall goals and 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 innovation and embracing new ideas in the insurance industry?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to provide insight into the role's priorities, the company's culture, and its approach to employee development and work-life balance.

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 your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare examples of your customer service and problem-solving skills to discuss during the interview
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role

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