Head of Processing for Delegated Authority Business

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. Working at Howden Re At Howden Re, we’re on a mission to do things differently. Our no silo approach, elite team, and clear focus on innovation and relentless execution means our clients are at the heart of all we do. As a big 4 global reinsurance broker, we deliberately avoid the one-size-fits-all approach, committing to creating bespoke solutions that address the unique challenges of a modern and dynamic marketplace. Our team is empowered to drive progress, creating opportunities for career and personal development, unlocking new value for clients, fostering long-term partnerships, and using the collective power of Howden to change how the world sees risk and insurance. When you join Howden Re, you become part of a vibrant and entrepreneurial workplace culture that prioritises collaboration, ownership, and shared success. Here, your contributions will directly impact our mission to be the global partner of choice in reinsurance and strategic advisory. Be a part of Howden Re's exciting journey. Together, we are shaping the future of reinsurance. The Role The Head of Processing is responsible for leading all post-placement processing activities across Bowood & Programs, ensuring the efficient, accurate and compliant handling of premium, claims and bordereau transactions. The role provides leadership across both onshore and offshore processing teams, driving operational excellence, service delivery, process standardisation and continuous improvement. Working closely with broking, technical, claims and finance teams, the Head of Processing will ensure processing activities support the business's growth ambitions while maintaining appropriate controls and client service standards. This role will play a key part in the ongoing transformation of Bowood & Programs Operations, helping to deliver improved scalability through process redesign, automation, workflow tools and enhanced use of data. What will you be doing? Lead all processing activities across Bowood & Programs. Ensure the accurate and timely processing of premium, claims and bordereau transactions. Drive high levels of service delivery to internal and external stakeholders. Establish clear operational KPIs and service standards. Monitor workloads and allocate resources effectively to meet business demands. Manage operational risks and escalation points relating to processing activities. Lead, develop and mentor processing managers, team leaders and technicians. Build a high-performing culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Ensure appropriate training and knowledge transfer processes are in place. Reduce key person dependency through documentation, cross-training and capability development. Act as the senior operational relationship owner for offshore processing resources. Ensure effective workflow management between onshore and offshore teams. Monitor quality, productivity and service delivery across outsourced functions. Establish robust governance and quality assurance frameworks. Lead initiatives to standardise processing activities across the business. Identify and eliminate manual processes and operational inefficiencies. Support the implementation of workflow tools, OpenTWINS, bordereau management systems and other strategic technology initiatives. Champion automation and digitisation to improve scalability and control. Develop strong relationships with brokers, technical teams, claims teams, finance and senior management. Provide regular reporting and updates to senior leadership. Support strategic business initiatives and operational projects. Ensure compliance with all regulatory, Lloyd's, carrier and internal governance requirements. Who are we looking for someone who has: Essential Significant experience within delegated authority, binder, MGA or insurance operations. Leadership experience managing operational processing teams. Strong understanding of premium and claims bordereau processing. Experience managing offshore or outsourced operational services. Proven track record of delivering operational improvement initiatives. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Experience implementing operational controls and governance frameworks. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Desirable London Market and Lloyd's experience. Knowledge of OpenTWINS, GlobalXB, Brokasure or similar market systems. Experience of workflow and automation technologies. 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