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.
Based in our Athlone office, Howden Ireland are delighted to have a vacancy of Senior Account Executive within our Commercial division. This is a key position within the business, responsible for managing a portfolio of high-value commercial clients, driving strategic growth, and contributing to the overall success of the Commercial team. About the role:Reporting to the Team Leader and Head of Existing Business, the Senior Account Executive will take full ownership of a portfolio of commercial clients, leading renewal and retention strategies while proactively identifying and securing new business opportunities.This role requires a highly experienced professional with strong technical expertise, commercial acumen, and the ability to operate at a strategic level. The successful candidate will play a critical role in maximising client value, driving revenue growth, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to the development of best practices across the Commercial function.Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain strong, long-term partnerships with key commercial clients, acting as a trusted advisor on all insurance and risk matters.
- Take full responsibility for a portfolio of clients, ensuring retention, profitability, and identifying opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling.
- Lead the end-to-end renewal process for complex commercial risks, including market engagement, structuring of placements, negotiation of terms, and delivery of optimal outcomes.
- Proactively identify, pursue, and convert new business opportunities, contributing to overall business growth and achieving agreed revenue targets.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of clients’ risk profiles and provide tailored, strategic insurance solutions aligned to their evolving needs.
- Leverage strong insurer relationships to secure competitive terms, while maintaining awareness of market trends, pricing dynamics, and emerging products.
- Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements, company procedures, and compliance standards, maintaining best-in-class documentation and audit readiness.
- Act as a senior point of contact within the team, supporting and mentoring junior colleagues, sharing expertise, and contributing to team development initiatives.
- Provide feedback to leadership on market conditions, product innovation, and service improvements to enhance client outcomes and operational efficiencies.
- Lead client meetings and presentations, including involvement in strategic reviews, renewals, and prospect pitches.
About You:
- Minimum 8+ years’ experience in a commercial insurance broking or underwriting role, with demonstrable experience managing complex client portfolios.
- CIP Qualification is a neccessity
- Strong technical knowledge across a broad range of commercial insurance products and the Irish insurance market.
- Proven track record in client retention, portfolio growth, and new business generation.
- Highly skilled negotiator with the ability to influence both clients and insurers to deliver optimal outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to operate at a strategic, advisory level with clients.
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members preferred.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Full clean driving licence.
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.
PermanentSkills Required
- Minimum 8+ years' experience in commercial insurance broking or underwriting
- Demonstrable experience managing complex client portfolios
- CIP Qualification
- Strong technical knowledge across a broad range of commercial insurance products
- Proven track record in client retention, portfolio growth, and new business generation
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
- Full clean driving licence
What We Do
The global reinsurance broker and risk, capital, and strategic advisor focused on relentless innovation and superior analytics for top client service. Part of Howden
