From day one, our mission has been to create an independent business with a unique culture – one that is controlled by the people who work for it. Finding the most talented and entrepreneurial people has always been key to our success.People come to Howden for lots of different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. That’s what sets us apart, and why we nurture and retain the best talent in the market. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.With a no limits approach, we can rise to any challenge. Whatever the question, the concern, or the risk, we can get the right people in a room and find the right answer. Our collective power is also helping us to change the insurance narrative – doing right by our clients while using insurance as a tool to build resilience for individuals, businesses and communities. From pro bono work to insuring COVID-19 vaccine development to de-risking the carbon market, we’re using our skills, knowledge, and networks to make a difference and speed positive change in the world around us.We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to provide dedicated HR support within the Consumer & Local Commercial division of the wider Howden Retail business. You'll work closely with the Lead HR Business Partner as well as other localised HR representatives, acting as the first line of defence for HR issues and generalist queries. You will also work collaboratively with HR Employee Services and Group HR Centres of Excellence (incl. Talent Acquisition, HRIS & Reward).As a key contributor, you will thrive in our dynamic and fast-paced environment, you'll embrace the complexity and commerciality that accompanies business growth plans. This role involves navigating ambiguity, turning it into opportunity, and working collaboratively with the broader HR Team to shape the operational landscape of our newly established Retail business.About you:Act as the first point of contact for all general queries and handle Employee Relations issues, with the Lead HR Business Partner as the escalation point. Ensuring the relevant MI tracker or system is updated and your Lead HR Business Partner is aware of any trendsCoach, support and upskill first line leaders in order to develop employee relations and manager capabilityProviding advice and guidance, scripting conversations, note taking, drafting and issuing paperwork as requiredWorks on projects with the Lead HR Business Partner and contributes to other initiatives as required, including policy and process reviews, training programme development, SMCR process implementation, talent and succession planning, early careers, diversity & inclusion and manager trainingKeeps informed of all regulatory and legal changes which impact on the job role and contributes to the continuous improvement of HR procedures, policies and practicesValidates data and Workday records, ensuring job titles, teams, cost centres are correct and relevant notifications are sent to the appropriate business stakeholdersEnsures correct authorisation is obtained and processes followed when required by the Operating Entity and/or GroupEnsures performance, HR and T&C records are up to date and meet the Operating Entity and/or Group’s requirementsRewards:We believe that great work and dedication should be rewarded, that’s why we offer:25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), pro-rated for part year serviceA set of core benefits, designed with your health and financial protection in mind:Life Assurance up to 4x salary, protecting your loved ones in case the worst should happenIncome protection, guaranteeing an income for up to 5 years in the event of an illness or injuryContributory pension scheme – 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution, rising to 5% & 5% in April 2025Access to a Healthcare Cashplan, which gives you access to a variety of health related benefitsAccess to a host of lifestyle and financial benefits that you can choose from:Discounts on gym membership across the UKSalary sacrifice schemes – Travel Insurance, Cycle to Work, Car leasing, Technology purchaseAccess to discounted personal health policies – Critical illness, private medical, dental plansA range of insurance products available commission free, including home, motor, travel and specialist vehiclesAccess to hundreds of high-street retailer discountsEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support employees outside of workOur Culture: People FirstWe’ve travelled far since opening our first office in 1994. Back then we were local experts – based in London, with direct access to the world’s biggest insurance market. We’re still locals, and we still deliver the right advice and the right insurance to our clients. But now, we’re local all over the world. With 15,000 global colleagues and a partner network spanning more than 100 territories, we are the largest independent insurance broker in the world. But our values haven’t changed since day one, when we set out to create a company grounded in:
An employee-ownership model
Aligned external investors
The trust and integrity born of friendship
Expertise
Independence
Our focus on being a people-first business has always been at the very heart of Howden. Our vision was to create an independent business with a unique culture; one that would survive and thrive as a business controlled by the people working for it. Our employee ownership model sets us apart in the market. It’s created a culture of collaboration and innovation, where we’re driven to think bigger and empowered to challenge convention.Our flat structure and entrepreneurial spirit help us attract the best people and empower them to be the best version of themselves. And when we bring in and nurture great talent, more follows. That makes us better – and that’s better for everyone.Diversity & InclusionAt Howden we consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness and respect, regardless of their age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or family circumstances. Permanent
