Head of Processing - Bowood & Programs

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.

Working at Howden Re

At Howden Re, we’re on a mission to do things differently. Our no silo approach, elite team, and clear focus on innovation and relentless execution means our clients are at the heart of all we do.

As a big 4 global reinsurance broker, we deliberately avoid the one-size-fits-all approach, committing to creating bespoke solutions that address the unique challenges of a modern and dynamic marketplace. Our team is empowered to drive progress, creating opportunities for career and personal development, unlocking new value for clients, fostering long-term partnerships, and using the collective power of Howden to change how the world sees risk and insurance.

When you join Howden Re, you become part of a vibrant and entrepreneurial workplace culture that prioritises collaboration, ownership, and shared success. Here, your contributions will directly impact our mission to be the global partner of choice in reinsurance and strategic advisory.

Be a part of Howden Re's exciting journey. Together, we are shaping the future of reinsurance.

The Role

The Head of Processing is responsible for leading all post-placement processing activities across Bowood & Programs, ensuring the efficient, accurate and compliant handling of premium, claims and bordereau transactions. 

The role provides leadership across both onshore and offshore processing teams, driving operational excellence, service delivery, process standardisation and continuous improvement. Working closely with broking, technical, claims and finance teams, the Head of Processing will ensure processing activities support the business's growth ambitions while maintaining appropriate controls and client service standards. 

This role will play a key part in the ongoing transformation of Bowood & Programs Operations, helping to deliver improved scalability through process redesign, automation, workflow tools and enhanced use of data. 

What will you be doing?

• Lead all processing operations across Bowood & Programs, ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of premium, claims and bordereau processing.

• Drive service excellence through clear KPIs, service standards and effective resource management.

• Oversee operational risk, governance, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

• Lead, develop and mentor processing managers, team leaders and technicians, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Strengthen operational resilience through training, documentation, knowledge sharing and cross-skilling.

• Act as the senior owner of offshore processing relationships, ensuring effective collaboration, quality and service delivery across onshore and offshore teams.

• Standardise processes, improve controls and drive continuous operational improvement.

• Champion automation, digitisation and the implementation of strategic technology solutions, including workflow tools, broking systems and bordereau management systems.

• Build strong stakeholder relationships across broking, claims, finance, technical teams and senior management.

• Support strategic business initiatives, providing reporting, insights and operational leadership to senior stakeholders.

Who are we looking for someone who has:

Essential 

• Extensive experience within delegated authority, binder, MGA or insurance operations. 

• Strong leadership capability with experience managing large processing teams and outsourced service models.

• Deep understanding of premium, claims and bordereau processing, operational controls and governance.

• Proven success in delivering process improvement, automation and operational transformation initiatives.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.

• Resilient, adaptable and able to lead effectively in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Desirable 

• London Market and Lloyd's experience. 

• Knowledge of OpenTWINS, GlobalXB, Brokasure or similar market systems. 

• Experience of workflow and automation technologies.

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.