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.

The Role

As Associate Director, Portfolio Solutions, you will play a leading role within the wider Howden Private Capital business. You will take ownership of relationships across a defined portfolio of private equity houses, portfolio companies and relevant service providers, combining strategic account management with the delivery of high-quality insurance solutions.

Howden Private Capital supports the insurance requirements of private equity clients, while Portfolio Solutions focuses on the placement, coordination and ongoing management of insurance arrangements for private equity-backed businesses. Working closely with HPC Coverage, IDD, LIA project teams and Howden Specialty, you will coordinate insurance programmes, support clients through M&A activity and identify opportunities to introduce the wider capabilities of Howden.

What you’ll do

• Own and develop senior relationships across a defined portfolio of private equity houses, portfolio companies and service providers.

• Act as a trusted adviser by developing a strong understanding of each client’s business, investment strategy, risk profile and insurance requirements.

• Develop and execute structured account plans, identifying key stakeholders, client priorities, commercial opportunities and measurable objectives.

• Oversee the coordination, placement and renewal of insurance programmes for private equity-backed portfolio companies.

• Support the development and implementation of group insurance solutions across multiple portfolio companies, improving coverage, service and cost efficiency.

• Maximise existing Howden relationships by introducing relevant products, solutions and specialist expertise across the Group.

• Initiate and develop relationships with prospective clients where Howden does not currently have an established position.

• Create and maintain a strong pipeline of new business, cross-sell and portfolio development opportunities, contributing to agreed annual revenue targets.

• Lead well-prepared client meetings with clear objectives, structured agendas, agreed actions and timely follow-up.

• Maintain complete and accurate records of client relationships, meetings, pipeline activity and commercial opportunities in Compass.

• Use management information to monitor account activity, pipeline progress, relationship development and revenue performance.

• Provide guidance and support to analysts and junior colleagues, promoting high standards of client service, collaboration and accountability.

Who we’re looking for

• Significant experience within commercial insurance, insurance broking, private equity, financial sponsors, M&A or a closely related professional services environment.

• A strong understanding of commercial insurance products and the insurance needs of private equity-backed businesses.

• Experience managing senior client relationships and developing strategic accounts.

• A demonstrable track record of identifying, developing and converting commercial opportunities.

• An understanding of private equity ownership structures, portfolio company relationships and the M&A transaction lifecycle.

• The ability to coordinate complex insurance placements and renewals involving multiple stakeholders, product lines and legal entities.

• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to balance positive client outcomes, revenue objectives and operational delivery.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to senior stakeholders.

• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• A collaborative approach and the ability to build trusted relationships across business units and specialist disciplines.

• High standards of accuracy, documentation and data management.

• Confidence using CRM platforms, Microsoft Office and other relevant business tools.

• A proactive, entrepreneurial and solutions-focused approach, with calmness and resilience under pressure.

• ACII qualification, or progress towards an equivalent professional insurance qualification, would be advantageous.

#LI-RP1 #Specialty

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.