Job Details
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.
Howden (the Group) is a leading international insurance business with employee ownership at its heart. Its global broking and underwriting business provides a range of specialist insurance solutions to clients and has a strong focus on growth and innovation in the insurance sector.
We now have an exciting opportunity to join us as a Product Governance Manager within our UK&I l Broking business. The role is based from our head off in the City of London with hybrid working arrangements offered.
You will develop business relationships with and work alongside Senior Management, as well as other key stakeholders, providing the support necessary to ensure that the respective pillar/client segment/product line has appropriate and effective: understanding; interpretation; and application of regulatory expectations across its product governance obligations at first line.
You’ll support the business in the assessment of proposed new products, to be approved by the Product Governance Committee and embed product governance principles and practice within the business, assisting in the development and delivery of appropriate process training.
Finally you will also be the primary point of contact for supporting development of our approach to Information Requests, FVAs, Product Reviews/Approvals, Distribution Impact Assessments and other related activities as advised by Senior Management and in line with any other additional guidance.
Key Accountabilities
Maintain up to date Product Governance risk profile of in-scope teams in liaison with Senior Management and Compliance.
Produce accurate data which supports conduct risk MI and the delivery of supporting information to the Product Oversight Group and Pillar Forums.
Participate in specific initiatives/projects to conduct research, review and consider more effective controls.
Design and implementation of internal policies and procedures to improve product governance across the business.
Together with Senior Management, ensure products and propositions are crafted with the client in mind and offer fair value.
Regularly reviews Operating Entity policies and procedures (e.g. OPMs, including OPM supplements) to ensure that, from a Product Governance perspective, they remain fit for purpose.
Interpret instructions and issues arising, and then implements actions according to policies and procedures.
Review all existing policies and procedures relating to Product Governance and update accordingly.
Support in monitoring product related risks to the business.
Review and comment on new products and changes to existing products against the Product Governance framework.
Track recommendations from the Product Oversight Group and Pillar Forums to make sure actions are completed and detailed.
Work with key stakeholders to embed good governance and ensure that they deliver their POG requirements in a timely manner.
Conduct and detail a cycle of fair value assessments against the product range.
Build strong and effective relationships across the business to promote a positive image of the Product Governance Team and efficiently support and deliver work activities.
Maintain awareness of organisational structures and activities, in order to understand business dynamics, pressures and needs.
Maintain awareness of regulatory developments and supports the business in assessing impacts and improving controls where necessary.
Skills & Experience
Knowledgeable about regulatory expectations with regard to Product Governance and the implementation of appropriate systems and controls across different business profile types.
Experience of operating in the compliance department of a public company in the UK regulatory environment.
Proven record of building strong and constructive relationships with business leaders/senior management.
Commercial awareness and focus on the application of regulation within the insurance broking industry.
Broad knowledge and understanding of insurance, principles, products and services.
Consultative approach to business relationship management, proactively sharing “what works best” with others across the Group.
Strong prioritising and time management skills.
Ability to articulate sophisticated concepts simply.
Our Culture: People First
We’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 & Inclusion
At 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.
