Howden
Senior Claims Handler - Commercial & Schemes
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Senior Claims Handler – Commercial & Schemes
About the Role
Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its core, driving innovation in commercial insurance and protecting business futures through bespoke risk solutions.
This is not just a job; it’s a opportunity to shape the future of claims handling. You’ll be a trusted expert—assessing, advising, and negotiating complex commercial claims while supporting others to thrive in a culture of accountability and innovation.
The Howden Difference
At Howden, we unite people worldwide around a shared mission: ✔ Collaborative, no-limits mindset ✔ Tailored solutions for every business size ✔ Growth that starts from the bottom up ✔ A work culture defined by empowerment, change, and purpose
About the Team
The Commercial & Schemes team isn’t passive; it’s proactive. We don’t just manage risk—we craft client success stories. Our clients—from small startups to multinational conglomerates—rely on us to navigate uncertainty with precision. Whether you’re negotiating a large corporate loss or steering complex logistics claims, your expertise will drive unshakeable trust and long-term partnerships.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Senior Claims Handler to lead a vital part of our claims operation—a role that balances strategic insight with hands-on decision-making.
Relationship: Full-time, permanent Location: Birmingham office (2–3 days/week on average)
Key Responsibilities
- End-to-end claims management of all sizes, but with particular focus on large, sophisticated, or contentious claims on behalf of brokerage customers.
- Overseeing investigation, evaluation, negotiation, and settlement, ensuring compliance with policies and timelines.
- Complex transit claims guidance and case-law advocacy.
- Deep expertise in insurance policies, coverage types, and procedures—a must for accurate claim assessments.
- Collaboration across internal teams, brokers, insurers, and third-party representatives to expedite resolutions and optimise settlements.
- Analysis of claims data to:
- Identify risk trends
- Drive strategies to reduce claim frequency
- Enhance overall claims processes
- Leadership and mentorship.
- Guide and develop other claims handlers and junior team members.
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Client advocacy & relationship-building.
- Cultivate strong relationships with clients, brokers, loss adjusters, legal representatives, and industry partners for sustained satisfaction.
- Deploy negotiation strategies to achieve the best possible terms under contractual stipulations.
- Client visitations to investigating circumstances and constructing robust claims for rapid, favourable resolutions.
- Keeping pace with industry evolution—monitor trends, regulations, and emerging technologies to promote innovation.
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Expected Competencies
Knowledge (Essential)
- Mastery of commercial insurance policies, coverage, and claims procedures
- Specialized knowledge of brokerage claims
- Client relationship management expertise
- Understanding of insurance principles, legal frameworks, and regulatory guidelines
Skills (Must-Have)
- Analytical rigour, problem-solving, and critical decision-making
- Exceptional communication skills (client, team, cross-organisational negotiation)
- Client-first approach (person-centred, support-oriented, resilient)
- Confidence in negotiation and pressure situations
- Ability to schedule and execute tasks independently while prioritising
- feedbback/collaboration tools it was narratives. Experience in supporting distressed clients with empathy and guidance
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Qualifications & Attributes
Core requirements:
- Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent)
- Commercial insurance claims experience (applicable seuls preferred)
Additional strengths:
- A-levels (to university acceptance)
- CII certification (desirable)
Howden Benefits: A Culture of Care
- Define your career. Leading from where you stand. Benefits grow with your contributions—not with your title.
- Lifelong support. We want your success as much as you do.
- Ethos of kindness. Our culture thrives on:
- Empowering finds new ways—not just traditional roles.
- Mutual support in big and small ways—because collaboration makes success possible.
Reasonably requests
Howden is comitted to equitable conditions. On top of standard adjustments (software, IT, office preference etc.), we also accommodate: 🔹 Home-based or flexible hours
Questions? Speak to your recruiter partner.
What Next?
If you’re encouraged—apply with confidence. Even if any listed requirements seem insurmountable (e.g., work arrangements or skill gaps), we’ll meet you halfway. Just tell us. We’re in this together.
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