H

SME Account Handler - Property - Corporate & Commercial

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

πŸ“Œ Core Information

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

πŸ”Ή Company: Howden

πŸ”Ή Location: Maidstone - Horizon House, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Insurance

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-04

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 2-5 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility

πŸš€ 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.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

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

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

βœ… Undertake market exercises to establish the most competitive terms available

βœ… Acquire renewal terms and present them to clients

βœ… Issue renewal documentation in line with contract certainty

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

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

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

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

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

βœ… 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.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£25,000 - Β£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.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” 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.

πŸ“Š 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.

πŸ’Ό 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.

πŸ› οΈ 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.

πŸ‘” 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.

πŸ“ˆ 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.

πŸ“ 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.

πŸ“Œ 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.