Commercial Account Executive

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.

Role Purpose

We are actively seeking an Account Executive to join our Howden Commercial team. Our commercial division has seen significant growth over the past 15 years, now comprising over 300 professionals across the UK. In this role, you’ll support a diverse portfolio of new and existing clients, delivering exceptional service and tailored insurance solutions.

You’ll work closely with the Branch Manager and wider team to identify opportunities, build strong client relationships, and deliver tailored insurance solutions that meet evolving business needs.

Key Accountabilities

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with commercial clients.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for client queries, renewals, and service delivery.

• Conduct regular reviews to ensure client satisfaction and retention.

New Business Development

• Identify and pursue new commercial opportunities through networking, referrals, and prospecting.

• Prepare and deliver compelling pitches and proposals to potential clients.

• Meet or exceed sales targets and growth objectives.

Policy and Coverage Management

• Analyse clients’ existing insurance programs to identify gaps and cross-selling opportunities.

• Recommend appropriate insurance products and coverage tailored to client needs.

• Assist in the preparation and submission of RFPs and renewal documentation.

Internal Coordination

• Collaborate with underwriting, claims, and support teams to ensure timely and accurate service delivery.

• Coordinate onboarding of new clients and ensure smooth transitions.

Market and Product Knowledge

• Stay informed about market trends, competitor offerings, and regulatory changes.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of commercial insurance products and services.

CRM and Reporting

• Maintain accurate client records and activity logs using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).

• Generate reports to track performance against KPIs such as conversion rates, retention, and revenue growth.

Compliance and Ethics

• Ensure all activities comply with industry regulations and company policies.

• Uphold ethical standards in client interactions and data handling.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Proactive Business Developer: You have a proven ability to generate new business and build long lasting relationships with B2B clients.

Strong Interpersonal Communicator: You excel at building and sustaining strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal teams, existing clients, and prospective clients.

Commercially Curious: You’re tenacious and inquisitive, always looking for new opportunities to deliver value and drive the best outcomes for clients.

Consultative and Client-Focused: You listen actively, ask the right questions, and take time to understand client needs, advising on the most suitable products and solutions while always seeking a ‘path to yes’.

Committed to Professional Growth: You’re eager to continue learning and developing your career, including pursuing further professional qualifications.

Experienced Professional:

• You have a minimum of 3 years’ commercial broking experience, with a solid understanding of the insurance market and client needs.

Desirable :

• Dip CII

Rewards:

We believe that great work and dedication should be rewarded, that’s why we offer:

• 22 days holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing through length of service.

A set of core benefits, designed with your health and financial protection in mind:

• Life Assurance up to 4x salary, protecting your loved ones in case the worst should happen.

• Income protection, guaranteeing an income for up to 5 years in the event of an illness or injury.

• Contributory pension scheme – 5% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution.

• Access to a Healthcare Cashplan, which gives you access to a variety of health related benefits.

Access to a host of lifestyle and financial benefits that you can choose from:

• Discounts on gym membership across the UK.

• Salary sacrifice schemes – Travel Insurance, Cycle to Work, Car leasing, Technology purchase.

• Access to a range of insurance policies through Howden at discounted rates.

• Access to hundreds of high street retailer discounts.

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.