SME Account Handler - Property - Corporate & Commercial

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SME Account Handler - Property - Corporate & Commercial

🔹 Company: Howden

🔹 Location: Maidstone - Horizon House, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Insurance

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-04

🔹 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, helping them navigate commercial risk
• Collaborating with Account Executives to develop client strategies and manage renewals
• Conducting market exercises to secure competitive terms and presenting them to clients
• Processing documentation, collecting premiums, and handling client queries
• Actively cross-selling products from other divisions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strong client service skills, market knowledge, and attention to detail. It offers opportunities to build relationships with clients and grow within the company.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Help achieve Group/Division client targets by providing an outstanding level of service

✅ Liaise effectively with the Account Executive to ensure an appropriate strategy for renewal, attend client meetings as vital, and action meeting points (if applicable)

✅ Undertake market exercises to establish the most competitive terms available

✅ Acquire renewal terms and present them to clients

✅ Issue renewal documentation in line with contract certainty

✅ Ensure premiums are collected prior to the commencement of cover and in line with Howden procedures

✅ Handle all queries, whether written or by telephone, expertly and process them effectively in line with service standards

✅ Record all relevant information, correspondence, and documentation on Acturis and make effective use of the diary system

✅ Produce accurate and professional documentation at all times using relevant Howden templates

✅ Process adjustments in line with procedures, including notification to insurers, issue of revised documentation, and collection of additional premiums

✅ Actively cross-sell products from other divisions

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of client-facing tasks, market analysis, and administrative duties. Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask are essential.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified (industry-standard: relevant insurance or business degree)

Experience: A minimum of 2 years’ experience in providing specialist advice in the 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 prioritise work and meet deadlines
• Excellent client service skills
• Good negotiation and broking skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other insurance software or systems
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a relevant degree or professional certification (e.g., CII) would be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum (based on industry standards for 2-5 years of experience in the UK insurance sector)

Benefits:

• Hybrid working arrangement
• Reasonable adjustments for work-life balance
• Opportunities for career progression within Howden
• Competitive pension scheme
• Health insurance and dental care
• Life assurance and income protection
• Employee assistance program
• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays

Working Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday (with flexibility for hybrid working)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on individual performance and company policy.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Insurance

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: Not specified (operating as Howden since 2016)

Company Description:

• Howden is a collective of talented and passionate insurance professionals worldwide
• The company offers a range of insurance services, including commercial, personal, life & pensions, mortgages, and employee benefits
• Howden values diversity, collaboration, and a no-limits mindset

Company Specialties:

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

Company Website: www.howden.ie

ASSUMPTION: Howden has a strong focus on employee well-being and work-life balance, as evidenced by their reasonable adjustments policy and hybrid working arrangements.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and progression

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Account Executive

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to Account Executive or Senior Account Handler roles
• Expanding expertise across different insurance sectors or product lines
• Developing leadership and mentoring skills

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth within Howden, as well as the chance to develop expertise in the commercial insurance sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace

Office Location(s): Maidstone - Horizon House, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• Maidstone is a large, historic town in Kent, England, with a population of around 110,000
• The town offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to London and other major cities
• Maidstone has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, with flexibility for hybrid working

ASSUMPTION: The Maidstone office provides a collaborative and supportive work environment, with easy access to amenities and transport links.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and CV screening
• Phone or video screening
• Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the team or additional stakeholders

Key Assessment Areas:

• Insurance market knowledge and experience
• Client service skills and communication
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant insurance experience and achievements in your CV
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and enthusiasm for the company
• Prepare examples of how you have handled complex client situations or market exercises

ATS Keywords: Commercial Insurance, Client Service, Negotiation, Broking, Acturis, Insurance Market, Renewals, Documentation

ASSUMPTION: Howden's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Acturis
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Insurance industry-specific software (e.g., broking platforms, market data tools)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Acturis and other insurance software is essential for this role. Training will be provided as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Bravery
• Support
• Determination

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Client-focused
• Adaptable

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment?
• Are you comfortable handling complex client situations and market exercises?
• Do you have a strong work ethic and commitment to delivering exceptional client service?

ASSUMPTION: Howden values employees who are brave enough to try new things, support their colleagues, and are determined to make a positive difference.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client relationships and priorities
• Adapting to changes in the insurance market and regulatory environment
• Balancing on-site and remote work effectively
• Meeting tight deadlines and service standards

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to Account Executive roles, this role focuses more on day-to-day client management and less on new business development
• In contrast to Account Handler roles in other sectors, this role requires a strong understanding of the commercial insurance market and its complexities
• Career progression in Howden may involve moving into Account Executive or Senior Account Handler roles, or specializing in a particular insurance sector

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of client management, market analysis, and administrative duties, making it an attractive option for experienced insurance professionals looking to grow within the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing a portfolio of SME clients, ensuring their renewal terms are competitive and their needs are met
• Conducting a market exercise to secure the best possible terms for a high-value client
• Developing and implementing a cross-selling strategy to increase revenue from existing clients

ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from day-to-day client management to strategic business development.

❓ 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 growth and development of the team and the company?
• What opportunities are there for career progression within Howden, and how does this role contribute to that growth?
• How does the company support employees in balancing work and personal responsibilities?
• What is the company's approach to professional development and training for this role?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help applicants understand the expectations and opportunities associated with the role, as well as the company's commitment to employee growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your CV to highlight relevant insurance experience and achievements
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and enthusiasm for the company
• Prepare examples of how you have handled complex client situations or market exercises
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to confirm receipt of your application

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