New Business Account Handler

Who are we? Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. 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 18,000 employees spanning over 100 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. Howden - Corporate & Commercial Schemes Team are on the hunt for a New Business Account Handler to join a highly successful team and develop your experience and career within Agricultural insurance specialising in Smallholders. You will be prospecting, generating leads, developing business and winning clients. The New Business Account Handler will also show the ability to build long‑lasting relationships and the ability to utilise new business opportunities. Please note this is a full‑time, permanent opportunity. You will be based in our Maidstone office and ideally be onsite for 3 days per week on average. You may be required to occasionally travel for client visits, off‑site training, and other meetings as and when required. Overview Assist in achieving new business targets through converting incoming warm leads and self‑generated lead work. Liaise effectively with the Account Executive to ensure an appropriate strategy for winning new business, attend client meetings as necessary and action meeting points (if applicable). Undertake market exercise to establish the most competitive terms available. Ensure premiums are collected prior to the commencement of cover and in line with procedures. 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. Actively cross‑sell products from other Divisions. Refer all queries that fall outside own experience, knowledge, and authority to senior staff. Knowledge Working knowledge of all the main classes of General Insurance and the CII’s Code of Ethics and GDPR. Knowledge of motor trade insurance or High Net Worth within motor insurance is desirable. Acturis Knowledge is preferred. Skills Good level of technical insurance skills, to be assessed by regular in‑house testing. Accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to process work quickly and efficiently. Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines. Excellent client service skills. Good negotiation and broking skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to gather and analyse information from the client. Ability to identify and respond appropriately to an individual client’s level of understanding. Ability to persuade and influence others. Qualifications Minimum of 2 years’ experience in providing specialist advice in the insurance market. Cert CII (preferred but not essential). 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr