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 23,000 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
We are seeking a proactive, commercial and resilient HR Specialist to support our Specialty Insurance business.
This individual will be the right-hand to the Head of HR, providing hands-on support across a range of activities including business partnering, employee relations, engagement, and mobility. The role provides opportunities to partner with and develop strong relationships with stakeholders and managers across all levels and multiple commercial business units. Working closely with the Head of HR, they will support in executing the commercially aligned Specialty people agenda.
What you'll do
Business Partnering
A trusted and pragmatic partner to stakeholders and trusted advisor to managers. The first point of contact for HR-related queries within the Specialty Insurance division, providing expert advice on policies, procedures, and best practices.
Support with the annual performance and compensation review, partnering with managers and leaders where necessary.
Collaborate with HR colleagues to implement initiatives and execute on projects aligned with organisational goals, such workforce planning and diversity and inclusion.
Employee Relations.
Support the business to manage employee relations matters, many of which are complex, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies and processes.
Partner with managers to address people needs, including performance management and absence management.
Ensure adherence to employment laws and regulations, whilst having the appetite to take measured risk where appropriate.
Engagement
Support employee engagement initiatives, helping to create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Support in collaborating with senior leaders to address feedback from employee surveys and exit interviews and drive continuous improvement. •
Analyse exit interview data to provide recommendations to stakeholders and senior HR colleagues.
Change Management
Lead and support HR due diligence and integration activities in mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies
Manage end-to-end employee transition processes under TUPE regulations, including consultation processes, communication and harmonisation planning.
Support in ensuring seamless cultural and operational integration of employees, with support from COEs including onboarding, HR system alignment and communication.
Talent & Development
In partnership with our Learning Partner, build training programs to address skill gaps and support employee development where appropriate.
Work alongside the Group Talent Acquisition team on external hiring and internal mobility, including approving offer letters and contracts before issuance to candidates.
Who we're looking for
Solid experience within a fast-past, high growth & commercial environment.
Experience managing complex employee relations cases.
Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice, with the appetite to take risk measured risk where appropriate.
Proven experience managing HR aspects of mergers, acquisitions and business integration, with sound understanding of TUPE regulations.
Proven experience with change management during business restructuring and integrations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships. • CIPD qualification or equivalent (desirable).
Proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
Financial Services experience (desirable but not required)
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
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
