Head of Operations

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.

The Role

Head of Operations will be responsible for leading an imbedded operations team providing  support to a nominated broking team.  You will work closely with the Head of the Broking Team to ensure that operational activities within their areas are carried out in accordance with the relevant Company and Group policies. This includes dealing with the requirements of sub-teams in multiple jurisdictions.

The Head of Operations will provides the first line of defence, for the Broking Team on all operational matters and acts as the primary interface and escalation point between the Broking Team and the imbedded Operations team as well as central support services.  This includes interaction with other Operations specialists across Howden. This role will frequently interact with the Specialty COO to ensure that strategies and operational initiatives are implemented effectively. Alongside other key stakeholders, the Head of Operations is tasked with ensuring the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of all processes and procedures. This includes exploring and implementing automation (whether through Artificial Intelligence or alternative means) or using other back office solutions such as central support services.

What you’ll do 

• Support the Head of Team in monitoring and reporting Team revenue and progress against budget.

• Support the Head of Team in monitoring and reporting Team travel/entertainment and progress against budget.  Implement appropriate cost control on behalf of Broking Team Heads.

• Support the Head of the Team in budgeting and business planning processes

• Support the Head of the Team in relevant change management initiatives

• Escalate any areas of concern in relation to operations issues, for review by Broking Team Heads.

• Represents the Team on Operating Entity operational and other committees, as required

• Works with other Operations specialists to improve operational excellence, drive efficiencies and roll out any changes to existing processes with a particular emphasis on implementing technological changes and improvements

• Manages assigned projects and contributes to other project as required

• Provides relevant management information to senior broking managers and COO

• Provides technical oversight on all operational process to ensure outstanding service to broking teams that remains compliant with regulatory requirements in all relevant jurisdictions.  Will provide the interface between the broking team/business unit to ensure the smooth transition of work, in relation to any services provided by imbedded the Operational Team or other back office support .  They will manage their work on a matrix basis with the COOs to ensure that all work is processed efficiently and accurately and that any issues are resolved promptly

• Works with the Head of Team to implement the best means of delivering operational processes and procedures in the most efficient way by harnessing technology, central service resource or other appropriate solutions.

• Provides support to both internal and external audit functions

Who we’re looking for 

• Will have previous insurance experience – either within operations or as a broker

• Will be to demonstrate a strong understanding of insurance, and have knowledge of the London and international markets (as appropriate to the territory within which they operate)

• A good understanding of data and emerging technologies and how they apply

• Is able to manipulate financial data and understand budgets

• Proven problem-solving skills, with a focus on actionable, results-driven solutions

• Expertise in writing business cases, proposals, and presentations that effectively communicate complex ideas and strategies

• Comfortable interacting with senior executives, including C-level leaders, and confidently navigating executive-level discussions

• Quick to adapt and able to hit the ground running in dynamic environments

• A self-starter with a results-oriented mindset, demonstrating a strong bias for action and accountability

• Excellent in building and nurturing relationships across the business

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