Financial Planning Advisor

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.

Howden Ireland are seeking an ambitious and client-focused Financial Planning Advisor to join our growing Life & Pensions Advisory team. For this position the successful candidate will play a key role in driving new business growth while delivering high-quality financial planning advice to both new and existing clients.

About the role:

Reporting directly to the Sales Manager, the Financial Planning Advisor will be responsible for identifying client needs, providing tailored financial solutions, and maximising sales opportunities across life assurance, pensions, investments, protection products, and wider financial planning services. The role requires a strong focus on client relationship management, business development, and achieving individual and team growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Generate new business opportunities through referrals, networking, marketing initiatives, and existing client relationships.

• Identify and maximise sales opportunities across all areas of financial planning.

• Achieve agreed sales, retention, and business growth targets.

• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients.

• Cross-sell and introduce additional financial planning solutions where appropriate.

• Provide professional advice and recommendations across a wide span of Pension, Planning, Protection, Savings, Investment Solutions and more.

• Conduct comprehensive financial reviews and fact-finding meetings.

• Build long-term relationships with clients through regular engagement and proactive servicing.

• Deliver an exceptional client experience throughout the advice process.

• Manage and review existing client portfolios to identify additional planning opportunities.

• Act as a trusted advisor, providing ongoing support as clients’ financial circumstances evolve.

• Maintain full compliance with all Central Bank of Ireland regulations, Consumer Protection Code requirements, and company policies.

• Ensure accurate completion and maintenance of all client documentation and records.

• Complete suitability assessments and maintain high-quality compliance standards.

• Keep up to date with industry developments, legislation, and product changes.

• Work closely with the Sales Manager and wider Advisory team to support departmental growth objectives.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the brokerage to identify and develop cross-referral opportunities.

• Share market knowledge and best practices to support overall team performance.

• Prepare and present tailored financial planning recommendations.

• Ensure all advice provided is suitable, compliant, and aligned with client objectives.

About You:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Life & Pensions, Financial Planning, or Wealth Management.

• Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) designation or equivalent recognised financial planning qualification.

• Strong knowledge of pensions, protection, investments, and financial planning solutions.

• Proven ability to achieve and exceed sales targets.

• CFP, RPA, SIA, or other advanced financial planning qualifications are desirable.

• Strong understanding of retirement and business financial planning strategies.

• Professional and consultative approach to client engagement.

• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.

• Strong commercial awareness and client-focused approach.

• Demonstrate a market awareness and ability to influence Company Strategy.

About Howden Ireland:

Howden Ireland is part of Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, and has over 600 employees across 28 local offices advising clients on their commercial insurance, personal insurance, health insurance, life and pensions and mortgage requirements. Our success is primarily down to the incredible people we employ.

For more information, please visit About Us | Howden Ireland (howdengroup.com)

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

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.