Senior Corporate Account Handler/ Team Lead

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. The role The Senior Corporate Account Handler/ Team lead will combine high‑level corporate client handling with day‑to‑day leadership of the Bristol Corporate Handling Team. They will deliver expert support across new business, renewals and mid‑term changes, assist with complex and high‑value placements, and ensure clients receive suitable cover and strong pricing. Alongside this, they will manage, motivate and develop the team, oversee performance and resource allocation, and help implement business strategies to support growth within the Health & Care division. What you’ll be doing Regularly track renewal and new business activity to support effective planning, forecasting and team resourcing. Supervise the prompt, accurate production of client documentation to ensure it meets service standards and client needs. Manage market and third‑party queries, producing high‑quality market documentation that supports effective placement. Plan and prioritise personal and team activities to ensure objectives, deadlines and service commitments are achieved. Ensure accurate client records and oversee credit control, liaising with support technicians and IBA where required. Deliver the Operating Entity’s strategy within the team to drive growth, maximise shareholder value and ensure regulatory compliance. Achieve agreed financial and performance targets for the team. Provide updates and progress reports to senior management as required. Support the development and refinement of operational systems and processes. Manage assigned projects and contribute to wider business initiatives. Supply accurate, timely management information to support decision‑making and performance oversight. Create innovative, profitable insurance structures and marketing strategies for allocated clients. Review documentation and provide technical guidance to coach team members and ensure high‑quality decision‑making. Work with the team to design appropriate broking solutions aligned to client demands and needs. Lead the production of Request for Proposal and tender documentation. Negotiate with insurers to secure the best balance of coverage, service and price. Maintain delegated authority contracts effectively, ensuring compliance and cost efficiency. Lead, motivate and develop the team, fostering a high-performance culture that supports individual growth, collaboration and business success. Drive employee engagement and wellbeing, promoting an inclusive and supportive working environment in line with company values. Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions and development discussions, providing clear feedback and support to help colleagues achieve their full potential. Provide day-to-day leadership, managing workloads, resolving issues and supporting the team in delivering exceptional service to clients and stakeholders. Identify training and development needs across the team and facilitate opportunities to enhance technical knowledge, broking expertise and professional skills. Who we’re looking for Bring a customer‑focused approach, working independently and flexibly to meet tight deadlines. Combine analytical thinking with an approachable style to build strong, sustainable relationships with colleagues and clients. Show willingness to learn and support junior team members to help develop the wider team. Work towards or hold ACII status, which is desirable but not essential. Hold or work towards the LLMIT qualification where relevant to the role. Bring extensive experience as a broker, account executive or technical expert within the insurance market. Operate effectively in a high‑pressure, multi‑tasking environment. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the insurance market and strong understanding of product lines and associated wordings. Apply advanced understanding of regulatory and legal frameworks relevant to client risk profiles. Previous people management experience is desirable but not essential; we are equally interested in individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and are eager to take the next step into a team leadership role. Demonstrate a passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others, with the ability to inspire high levels of performance and engagement. Show the confidence to lead by example, influence stakeholders and positively contribute to team culture and performance. Possess strong interpersonal skills with the ability to support, motivate and build credibility with colleagues at all levels. Demonstrate the ability to delegate effectively, manage competing priorities and support the delivery of team objectives. Have a collaborative mindset and a genuine desire to help others succeed, fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment. Show awareness of data and emerging technologies and how they apply within the insurance environment. Communicate and negotiate effectively with clients, colleagues and markets. Demonstrate strategic thinking, planning and business development capability. Show strong organisational and leadership abilities with high levels of personal integrity. Make sound decisions and solve problems effectively. 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