Business Development Director

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.

We're seeking dynamic and entrepreneurial Business Development Directors to join our growing Professional Services team. As one of the leading insurance brokers in the market, we’re offering an outstanding opportunity for self-motivated, business development professionals to join us as we focus our Professional Services growth strategy. In this role, you will develop new business across our Professional Services client base – spanning mid-market and larger clients – opening conversations with prospective clients from scratch, as well as nurturing and growing an existing pipeline of relationships.

This position is highly relationship-driven: you will be comfortable building and leveraging relationships at C-suite level, bringing energy, credibility and commercial insight to help elevate our presence and proactivity in the Professional Services space. You will combine the ability to open new conversations and win business with the discipline to manage and grow a long-term pipeline, supported by colleagues across the wider group.

What you’ll do

• Proactively identify and open new conversations with prospective Professional Services clients from scratch, as well as nurturing and developing an existing pipeline of relationships.
• Focus new business development on mid-market and larger Professional Services clients, working across different areas of the sector.
• Build, leverage and maintain a strong network of contacts, including at C-suite level, to identify and convert new business opportunities.
• Represent Howden with credibility and presence, delivering confident, well-prepared presentations to clients and prospects.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider Howden group to identify and deliver cross-sell and portfolio solutions.
• Maintain a disciplined and structured approach to pipeline management, accurately reflecting activity and opportunities.

Who we’re looking for

• A proven track record in sales, with demonstrable success in originating and winning new business.
• Experience within, or an existing network across, Professional Services is advantageous e.g. Architects, Engineering, Accountants, Law firms, etc.; however, candidates from other sectors with a strong sales background will also be considered.
• Demonstratable experience in building relationships and operating confidently at C-suite level across large and international clients.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic, with the initiative to identify and pursue opportunities independently.
• An entrepreneurial, proactive mindset and the adaptability to work across a changing landscape.
• Strong personal organisation, with the structure and discipline to manage a pipeline effectively.
• Open to candidates at different levels of experience, and to those based outside London, provided they are willing to travel to London on a regular basis.

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.