Who are we?
Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. 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 over 20,000 employees spanning more than 100 countries.
We're moving from strength to strength, expanding our global reach and growing both organically and through strategic, high-quality mergers and acquisitions. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, we're enhancing our unique culture and values, whilst continuing to expand our capability to innovate, and deliver exceptional solutions for our clients.
The Role
As a Business Assurance Business Partner, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Business Assurance Manager and Head of Business Assurance in maintaining the first-line review framework for Howden Specialty. This role involves working closely with the audit team to ensure objectives are delivered. It also includes serving as a point of contact for the business and supervising audit findings.
You’ll lead on specific projects and reviews, evaluating business processes in relation to policies, procedures, and controls, and providing actionable recommendations. This is a multifaceted role that combines technical oversight, stakeholder engagement, and promoting best practice across the business.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Oversee Business Assurance file audits for Specialty divisions.
* Act as a liaison for Business Assurance matters within operating entities.
* Manage assigned projects and contribute to wider BA initiatives.
* Review business processes against policies and controls, providing recommendations.
* Chair and report for the monthly Business Assurance Specialty Committee.
* Prepare and circulate reports and committee packs, highlighting risks and priorities.
* Track remedial actions and provide progress updates to senior management.
* Respond to queries from the offshore audit team and the business.
* Promote best practice and mentor staff where required.
* Stay informed on regulatory and legal changes impacting the role.
Who We’re Looking For
* Background in compliance, monitoring, or audit within insurance or financial services.
* Strong commercial awareness and understanding of regulatory requirements.
* Broad knowledge of insurance principles, products, and services.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
* Ability to influence and secure buy-in for recommendations.
* Highly organised with strong time management and prioritisation skills.
* Proactive, consultative approach with a focus on continuous improvement.
* Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
* Ability to work collaboratively and manage conflict optimally.
Qualifications
* No specific formal qualification required, but experience in compliance, audit, or business assurance is essential.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations within insurance/reinsurance broking.
* Familiarity with governance frameworks and risk-based assurance practices is 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
Diversity and Inclusion
At Howden we value diversity - there is no one Howden ‘personality 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
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 age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or family circumstances.
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.
Our sustainability promise
We’re on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, to doing good business, and to making a positive impact wherever we can. Our governance processes, company policies, and review systems are all geared towards our goal of making a positive impact in the world. You can read more about our sustainability work here.