Assistant Account Handler - Commercial & Schemes

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.

At Howden, Commercial & Schemes, commercial insurance isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. We support our clients through the complex landscape of commercial risk. We understand the diverse needs of businesses from large corporates to emerging ventures, meticulously crafting bespoke solutions to empower businesses to navigate uncertainty and achieve unwavering growth. Our depth of commercial insurance expertise allows us to protect client’s assets and fuel their progress. When our clients prosper, we celebrate success with them; when challenges arise, we provide unwavering support.

Do you have a passion for music and want to build a career in the insurance industry?

We are looking for an Assistant Account Handler to join our established music scheme – protecting the instruments and equipment that matter most to musicians, collectors, and professionals. As part of our growing team, you’ll play a key role in delivering the high-quality service our clients expect. From handling new business enquiries to managing renewals and mid-term adjustments, you’ll ensure each customer receives the right level of cover and support at every stage of their journey. At Howden, we’re committed to your development. Previous insurance experience isn’t essential – we’ll provide full training to support your success. What matters most is your enthusiasm, attention to detail, and desire to build a long-term career with us

This is a full-time, permanent position based in our London office. The role operates on a hybrid basis, with an expectation of attending the office for a minimum of two days each week, including Mondays and Friday’s. Additional office attendance will be needed during your initial training and development period.

What you will be doing

• Handle inbound telephone calls and emails from clients, brokers and business partners, providing clear and accurate information so customers can make informed decisions about their insurance.
• Prepare and process new business quotations, then follow up with prospective clients where appropriate.
• Manage policy renewals, amendments and answer customer questions.
• Complete assigned daily, weekly and ongoing operational tasks within agreed deadlines.
• Work collaboratively with operations, underwriting, claims, finance, marketing and other Lark Music colleagues.
• Follow data protection, compliance, underwriting authority and quality-control requirements at all times.

What knowledge is required

• An interest in music or the music industry is desirable
• Experience communicating with customers by telephone and email.
• Confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel and workplace systems.
• An understanding of confidentiality and the protection of personal information.
• An appreciation of the financial and personal significance of musical instruments and equipment

Skills & Experience

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with a positive, proactive, and supportive approach to customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to organise a varied workload and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs at grades A* to C, or grades 9 to 4, including English and Maths.
• A CII qualification is desirable 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

About Us

Howden began in 1994, as just three people and a dog. Now there are 23,000 of us, and we're a leading global insurance group, managing $37bn of premiums for our clients.

Our largest shareholder group is us – the people who work in the business – supported by three long-term, minority growth-equity partners who share our vision to build a business to last, one that will never be sold.

The owner's mindset is something that's embedded in our culture; our people readily take ownership of their decisions, their actions, and their outputs. They’re invested in every sense. And we all know that by working together to drive the business forward, everyone will benefit from the extraordinary results we can achieve.