📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SME Account Handler, Financial Lines - Corporate & Commercial
🔹 Company: Howden
🔹 Location: Maidstone - Horizon House, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Insurance
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing exceptional service to clients in the financial lines commercial insurance market
- Collaborating with Account Executives to develop renewal strategies
- Conducting market exercises to secure competitive terms
- Handling client queries and processing adjustments efficiently
- Cross-selling products from other divisions to enhance client offerings
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical expertise in financial lines insurance and strong client service skills. It offers opportunities for career growth within Howden's diverse insurance portfolio.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Help achieve group/division client targets by providing outstanding service
✅ Liaise with Account Executive to ensure appropriate renewal strategy, attend client meetings, and action meeting points
✅ Undertake market exercises to establish competitive terms
✅ Acquire renewal terms and present them to clients
✅ Issue renewal documentation in line with contract certainty
✅ Ensure premiums are collected prior to cover commencement and in line with Howden procedures
✅ Handle client queries expertly and process them effectively
✅ Record relevant information, correspondence, and documentation on Acturis and use the diary system effectively
✅ Produce accurate and professional documentation using relevant Howden templates
✅ Process adjustments in line with procedures, including notification to insurers, revised documentation, and collection of additional premiums
✅ Actively cross-sell products from other divisions
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach to client management, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively with internal teams to deliver exceptional client service.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant insurance or business degree or equivalent experience
Experience: Minimum of 2 years' experience in providing specialist advice in the financial lines commercial insurance market
Required Skills:
- Excellent knowledge of commercial insurance and the CII’s Code of Ethics and GDPR
- Working knowledge of Acturis
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines
- Excellent client service skills
- Good negotiation and broking skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with other insurance software platforms
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry certifications (e.g., CII qualifications) and experience working with diverse client portfolios will be at an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £35,000 - £50,000 per annum (based on industry standards for similar roles in the UK)
Benefits:
- Competitive pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Flexible benefits package
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with flexible working options available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the UK. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Howden operates in the insurance industry, offering a wide range of insurance and reinsurance services, underwriting, risk consultancy, and employee benefits. The company is known for its client-centric approach and innovative solutions.
Company Size: Howden has 201-500 employees globally, providing a mid-sized company environment that offers opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Howden was founded in 1994 and has since grown into a leading international insurance group.
Company Description:
- Howden is a collective of talented and passionate insurance professionals united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset
- The company offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on employee growth and development
- Howden is committed to making a positive difference at work and beyond, with initiatives focused on sustainability and community involvement
Company Specialties:
- Life & pensions
- Mortgages
- Commercial insurance
- Personal insurance
- Financial services
- Employee benefits
Company Website: https://www.howden.ie
ASSUMPTION: Howden's diverse range of services and global presence offer opportunities for career progression and exposure to various aspects of the insurance industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in the financial lines commercial insurance market.
Reporting Structure: The SME Account Handler reports directly to the Account Executive and works closely with other internal teams to deliver exceptional client service.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a combination of on-site work at the Maidstone office and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior account handler or account executive roles
- Expansion into other insurance specialties or lines of business
- Opportunities to work on international accounts and gain global experience
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow within the company, taking on increased responsibilities and advancing their careers in the insurance industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Maidstone office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster productivity and innovation.
Office Location(s): Maidstone - Horizon House, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- Maidstone is a vibrant town in Kent, England, with a rich history and a diverse range of cultural attractions
- The town offers excellent transport links, with easy access to London and other major cities
- Maidstone provides a mix of urban and rural living, with beautiful countryside and historic sites nearby
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday to Friday, with flexible working options available to accommodate individual needs.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, providing flexibility and a better work-life balance for employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and a member of the HR team
- Final interview with the head of the division or a senior member of the team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Insurance knowledge and technical expertise
- Client service skills and customer focus
- Negotiation and broking skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Adaptability and problem-solving skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant insurance experience and skills
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on client service, problem-solving, and teamwork
- Research Howden's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Commercial Insurance, Financial Lines, Client Service, Negotiation, Broking, Acturis, GDPR, CII Code of Ethics
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing candidates' technical skills, client service orientation, and cultural fit within the Howden organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Acturis
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Insurance-specific software platforms (e.g., Duck Creek, Guidewire, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Acturis and other insurance software platforms will be beneficial for this role, but training will be provided as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Bravery: Trying something new and pushing boundaries
- Support: Backing each other in everyday moments and bigger challenges
- Determination: Making a positive difference at work and beyond
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Working together to achieve shared goals
- Adaptable: Embracing change and finding innovative solutions
- Client-focused: Prioritizing client needs and delivering exceptional service
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated bravery in your approach to a challenging situation?
- How do you support your colleagues in achieving their goals and overcoming obstacles?
- Describe a time when you went above and beyond to ensure a client received exceptional service.
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong alignment with Howden's company values and work style, with a focus on collaboration, adaptability, and client focus.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a diverse client portfolio with varying needs and expectations
- Keeping up with industry trends and regulatory changes in the financial lines market
- Balancing the demands of client service, market exercises, and internal processes
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining productivity
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will possess strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other account handler roles, this position focuses specifically on financial lines, requiring specialized knowledge in areas such as cyber, D&O, office, and professional indemnity insurance
- In comparison to other insurance roles, this position offers exposure to a wide range of clients, from large corporates to emerging ventures, providing a diverse and challenging client portfolio
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior account handler or account executive positions, with opportunities to specialize further in financial lines or expand into other insurance specialties
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their interest in financial lines insurance and their career goals when comparing this role to other opportunities in the insurance industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a tailored renewal strategy for a large corporate client with complex insurance needs
- Conducting a market exercise to secure competitive terms for a portfolio of SME clients
- Managing the end-to-end renewal process for a diverse range of clients, ensuring accurate documentation and timely premium collection
ASSUMPTION: Sample projects should demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage complex client portfolios, conduct market exercises, and deliver exceptional client service.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical client portfolio for this role and the range of insurance products they require?
- How does this role collaborate with other internal teams, such as underwriting and risk consultancy, to deliver comprehensive client solutions?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth within Howden's financial lines division?
- How does Howden support employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance in a hybrid work environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when Howden demonstrated its commitment to making a positive difference at work and beyond?
ASSUMPTION: Interview questions should focus on understanding the role's day-to-day responsibilities, career growth opportunities, and Howden's company culture and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the application link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant insurance experience and skills
- Prepare a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your background and skills make you a strong fit for the position
- If applicable, prepare examples of your work or projects that demonstrate your insurance expertise and client service skills
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
