• Job Description

  Req#: R0007971

  From day one, our mission has been to create an independent business with a unique culture – one that is controlled by the people who work for it. Finding the most talented and entrepreneurial people has always been key to our success.

  People come to Howden for lots of different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. That’s what sets us apart, and why we nurture and retain the best talent in the market. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

  Role Definition

  To act as an underwriter responsible for a growing portfolio of specialty lines Pilots across multiple classes of business in accordance with the Howden Ventures Incubation Binder, issued at DUAL. Working with the Head of Howden Ventures, the Incubation Underwriter will act with a minimal level of supervision to manage the binding authority, design Pilots, and underwrite business within the Pilot parameters.

  This underwriter will also manage the graduation process for Pilots into full binders by building and maintaining strong internal and external relationships.

  Pilot: an underwriting phase where a new insurance product has been brought to market and is being commercially tested with clients to gauge interest, whilst carefully managing exposure. Technical underwriting (subject matter expertise) will be provided by our Partner Insurers.

  Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities

  • As part of the Howden Ventures team, aid the selection of Pilots, in accordance with the Howden Ventures business plan and the requirements of the Howden Ventures Incubation Binder.
  • Design and manage the underwriting process for Pilots including the entry, fulfilment and exit criteria.
  • Define and refine underwriting KPIs for Pilots
  • Work with investee companies (startups) throughout Pilots
  • Provide underwriting reports (beyond monthly bordereaux) to inform the narrative around Pilots.
  • Before and during a Pilot To work with the existing broker panel at DUAL to forge relationships and trust for support during the Pilots.
  • In conjunction with the DUAL and Bowood teams at Howden, to produce and maintain underwriting files for both internal and external viewing and to prepare for audit. This will involve both paper and computerised records.
  • Resolving any outstanding underwriting related tasks/matters in a timely and efficient matter to enable support functions, including claims, finance and compliance, to fulfil their responsibilities with the minimal impact/issues.
  • To successfully quote new business, assessing risks and underwriting from a cover and rating basis within risk appetite; providing contract certainty, territories, underwriting performance, limits of liability.

  • To successfully input quotations and issue certificates competently on the required underwriting platform, managing issues associated with the platform.

  • Work with the underwriter’s system to produce certificates, policy wordings, and bordereaux.
  • To develop an effective annual business activity planning process with our brokers and have a good knowledge of DUAL’s Underwriting’s overall business plans, processes and key contacts.
  • To be aware of cross sell opportunities and promote DUAL’s underwriting products and services to brokers.
  • To conduct broker research into business development opportunities thereby creating opportunities in the process.
  • To maintain accurate and timely Management Information, monitoring the development of the broker’s account including credit performance and to communicate/feedback.
  • To share ideas, best practice and other information within DUAL, especially where relevant to the relationship with brokers.

  Skills and abilities needed to perform role

  • Excellent inter-personal skills.
  • Strong ability to influence and negotiate with brokers, underwriters and service providers.
  • Analytical and creative thinker in meeting Underwriting needs whilst working in partnership with brokers.
  • Ability to understand the needs of each Underwriting line on a portfolio basis.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Ability to motivate and gain buy-in from others effectively.
  • Committed to learning and development i.e. continual professional development.
  • To work with confidence, embrace change, be inquisitive, resilient, imaginative and direct.
  • Ability to work quickly, efficiently and methodically.
  • Ability to communicate theories and ideas.

  Knowledge and Experience

  • Experience in the insurance industry with a broad range of experience in, policy work and preparation, basic accounts and claims.
  • Sound product awareness with significant experience of underwriting of specific class(es)to which the job holder is responsible for.

  Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities

  • To remain compliant with FCA requirements at all times.
  • To obtain appropriate approvals to ensure compliance with company policy, procedures and regulatory requirements/rules, with regards to data protection, money laundering etc.
  • To share ideas, best practice and other information within the team.

  Professional Qualifications

  • Graduate (preferable).
  • CII qualified (or near to completion of CII).

  Our Culture: People First

  We’ve travelled far since opening our first office in 1994. Back then we were local experts – based in London, with direct access to the world’s biggest insurance market. We’re still locals, and we still deliver the right advice and the right insurance to our clients. But now, we’re local all over the world. With 15,000 global colleagues and a partner network spanning more than 100 territories, we are the largest independent insurance broker in the world. But our values haven’t changed since day one, when we set out to create a company grounded in:

  • An employee-ownership model
  • Aligned external investors
  • The trust and integrity born of friendship
  • Expertise
  • Independence

  Our focus on being a people-first business has always been at the very heart of Howden. Our vision was to create an independent business with a unique culture; one that would survive and thrive as a business controlled by the people working for it. Our employee ownership model sets us apart in the market. It’s created a culture of collaboration and innovation, where we’re driven to think bigger and empowered to challenge convention.

  Our flat structure and entrepreneurial spirit help us attract the best people and empower them to be the best version of themselves. And when we bring in and nurture great talent, more follows. That makes us better – and that’s better for everyone.

  Diversity & Inclusion

  
  At Howden we consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness and respect, regardless of their age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or family circumstances.

  Permanent

• About the company

  Howden Group is a leading international insurance intermediary group with operations across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the U.S. and Latin America. Originally established in Europe we are now a global business with 250+ offices in 45...

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