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.

We have an exceptional opportunity for a Claims Handler to join our Stourbridge team. As a Claims Handler, you will play a vital role in delivering detailed and efficient claims service to our clients. With your proven expertise in commercial claims handling, you will have the autonomy to manage a portfolio of both motor and non-motor claims from start to finish, ensuring the best possible outcome for our customers.

This is a hybrid role with the opportunity to work 2 days per week in the Stourbridge office and 1 day per week in the Birmingham office.

The Role:

• Handle commercial claims from start to finish, demonstrating your expertise in insurance policies, coverage types, and claims procedures. Your accurate evaluation and processing of claims within specified timelines and guidelines will ensure the smooth resolution of each claim.

• Collaborate closely with different teams within our company and external vendors to facilitate timely and efficient claims resolution. Your strong communication and coordination skills will be key in achieving positive outcomes.

• Apply your analytical skills to analyse claims data, identify trends, and develop strategies to reduce risk, enhance our overall claims management processes, and decrease claim frequency.

• Foster positive relationships with clients, brokers, insurers, and industry partners, dedicating yourself to improving customer satisfaction. Your commitment to excellent service will strengthen our reputation in the industry.

• Stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to drive innovation in our claims handling processes. Your proactive approach will enable us to make informed decisions and continuously improve our services.

• Present reports and presentations that highlight key performance indicators, demonstrating your ability to effectively communicate complex information to different individuals or groups involved.

• Conduct on-site visits to clients in the event of a loss, investigating circumstances and building robust claims that lead to swift and favorable conclusions.

• Negotiate with insurers to secure the best possible settlement terms under the policy, showcasing your advocacy skills and commitment to achieving optimal outcomes.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of commercial insurance policies, coverage types, and claims procedures is needed for this role.

• Brokerage experience is essential to ensure comprehensive comprehension of the industry.

• Minimum of 18 months experience in a similar claims role.

• Exposure to using Acturis is desirable for this role

• Your expertise in client relationship management is crucial in building and maintaining positive connections with our clients.

• Understanding of general and legal principles of insurance will further enhance your effectiveness in this role.

• Familiarity with relevant regulatory and legal frameworks is important to ensure compliance and adherence to industry standards.

Skills:

• Your exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are important for effectively handling claims.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are important for effectively maintaining relationships with different individuals involved.

• A customer-focused approach will be instrumental in delivering exceptional service to our clients.

• Your ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment will contribute to your success in this role.

• Confidence, assertiveness, and resilience under pressure will enable you to navigate complicated situations with ease.

• Your experience in providing care, offering emotional support, guidance, and reassurance to clients in difficult or distressing situations, is highly valued.

Qualifications:

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) are required for this role.

• A level qualification is desirable.

• Cert CII - desirable

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.