Head of Howden Markets - Ireland

About Howden Ireland

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 a 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.

About the Role

We are looking for a Head of Howden Markets in Dublin to lead the successful delivery of Howden Ireland's Market Management and Portfolio Solutions strategy. The successful candidate will develop and execute the company's strategy to coordinate, manage and develop strategic insurer relationships, while delivering enhanced client outcomes and placement efficiency for our broking teams. This senior leadership position requires a dynamic individual with a deep understanding of the Irish P&C insurance market, a strong network, and the ability to drive growth through strategic market engagement.

Key Accountabilities

• Assume full P&L responsibility for Howden Markets Ireland, ensuring financial performance and sustainable growth.
• Oversee and manage strategic insurer relationships, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead the development of facilities and bespoke products supporting growth and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives and operational plans to expand market presence and enhance competitive positioning.
• Help shape the development of the wider Howden Ireland business strategy.
• Confidently articulate and communicate Howden Ireland and Group strategy both internally and externally.
• Exhibit strong leadership qualities by guiding, mentoring, and developing a high performing team.
• Act as a role model by living and promoting the Howden values.
• Display and instil a positive, highly collaborative and customer centric culture.
• Remain aware of external, industry and regulatory developments to ensure practice and outputs are of a sufficiently high standard.
• Keep informed of all relevant regulatory and legal developments.
• Follow the company processes and procedures.
• Ensure up to date records are maintained at all times on relevant Howden Ireland systems.
• Develop strong relationships with business units within Howden Ireland, the Group and external stakeholders.
• Promote and instil confidence in Howden Ireland across all stakeholders.
• Facilitate smooth communication between various parties within the business.
• Ensure the Howden Markets team understands its client's internal and external requirements and demands.
• Collaborate across the wider Howden Group to take learnings and best practice to the Irish business.
• Attend external seminars, forums and events to represent the Group and increase knowledge of changing needs and market trends.
• Ensure compliance with all relative legal, fiscal and regulatory obligations.
• Ensure correct authorisation is obtained and processes followed as required by Howden Ireland and/or Group.
• Operate in an honest, professional, and ethical manner.
• Strictly adhere to the Howden Ireland Employee Code of Conduct.

About You

• Minimum 10 years' experience in the Insurance Industry.
• Minimum of a CIP qualification with relevant experience.
• Strong leadership and management skill and ability to motivate and develop a high performing team.
• Experience of the development and execution of people strategy to support the business strategy.
• Exceptional organisational leadership, with a proven ability to plan strategically, prioritise effectively, and deliver against competing deadlines in a fast paced, multi stakeholder environment.
• Outstanding attention to detail, combined with the ability to maintain accuracy while operating at both strategic and operational levels.
• Commercially astute and entrepreneurial mindset, with a demonstrated ability to identify market opportunities, drive innovation and deliver sustainable growth.
• Strategic thinker with broad market perspective, capable of connecting industry trends, insurer dynamics and client needs to inform business strategy.
• Client centric approach, with a strong focus on delivering value, enhancing client outcomes and strengthening long term partnerships.
• A track record in building and managing strong and credible relationships at all levels in the organisation.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate business requirements into people focused priorities.
• Pragmatic, collaborative style.
• A high level of influencing skills, stakeholder management, diplomacy and adaptability in a changing environment.

Benefits & Support

We offer a development focused career in a diverse environment, with reasonable adjustments for suitable candidates. Typical accommodations include flexible hours and hybrid working, where possible. Professional development opportunities and supportive culture are also available.