Change & Continuous Improvement Leader

Job description

Who are we? Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden. About the Role Howden is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Change & Continuous Improvement Leader to drive enterprise-wide transformation initiatives, process optimization, and organizational change management efforts across our U.S. operations. This role will partner closely with executive leadership and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for operational excellence, improve business performance, and ensure successful adoption of strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong change management expertise with hands-on continuous improvement experience and has a proven ability to influence stakeholders, lead cross-functional initiatives, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Key Responsibilities Change Management & Transformation Lead the planning, execution, and sustainment of organizational change initiatives across multiple business functions. Develop comprehensive change management strategies, stakeholder engagement plans, communication plans, and adoption frameworks. Partner with leadership teams to assess organizational readiness and mitigate resistance to change. Facilitate workshops, leadership sessions, and stakeholder meetings to align teams around transformation objectives. Establish metrics to measure change adoption, engagement, and overall program effectiveness. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, and customer experience. Lead process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Analyze business processes, workflows, and operating models to eliminate inefficiencies and enhance performance. Facilitate process mapping, root cause analysis, and problem-solving sessions. Develop and maintain an enterprise continuous improvement framework that fosters a culture of accountability and innovation. Strategic Partnership Collaborate with executive leaders to align improvement initiatives with organizational priorities and growth objectives. Support large-scale strategic projects, integrations, systems implementations, and business transformation efforts. Establish governance structures, project reporting, and executive-level performance dashboards. Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership teams. Performance Measurement Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for transformation and improvement initiatives. Monitor progress against established goals and provide regular updates to leadership. Quantify operational and financial benefits resulting from improvement efforts. Drive a culture of continuous measurement and accountability. Leadership & Influence Build strong partnerships across business units and functional teams. Mentor leaders and employees on change management principles and continuous improvement practices. Champion a culture of innovation, adaptability, and operational excellence. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on organizational effectiveness and transformation initiatives. What Are We Looking For? Experience Bachelor's degree in Business, Organizational Development, Industrial Engineering, Operations, or a related field. 10+ years of experience leading organizational change, business transformation, operational excellence, or continuous improvement initiatives. Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide projects with significant organizational impact. Experience working in complex, matrixed environments with diverse stakeholder groups. Experience within financial services, professional services, insurance, brokerage, consulting, or related industries is preferred. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree preferred. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent certification. PROSCI Change Management Certification or comparable change management credential. Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, integrations, or large-scale business transformations. Skills Strong change management and organizational development expertise. Exceptional project and program management capabilities. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership. Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to drive measurable business outcomes. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and business intelligence/reporting tools. What Do We Offer in Return? A Career That You Define. Our business succeeds by allowing our people to make a mark in the areas they care about most, whether that's personal development, volunteering, or creating new solutions that address our clients' greatest challenges. We support our people in every aspect of their lives, recognizing that fulfillment at home and work go hand in hand. Compensation and Benefits The expected base salary range for this role is $175,000 to $250,000 , depending on experience and location. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts 401(k) retirement plan Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave Life and Disability insurance Our Sustainability Promise We're on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, doing good business, and making a positive impact wherever we can. What do we offer in return? A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us: 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 Reasonable adjustments We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*. If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require. *Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more. Permanent