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 23,000 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.
The role
We’re looking for a proactive and organized Personal Assistant to provide top-notch administrative support. You’ll manage diaries, coordinate travel, prepare documents, handle correspondence, and maintain records with efficiency and discretion.
The ideal candidate is self-motivated, detail-oriented, and skilled in Microsoft Office, with strong communication and organizational abilities to ensure smooth operations and professional support.
What you’ll do…
Ensures records of meetings are kept through the production of accurate and timely minutes and any related documentation
Provides relevant management information to managers as required
Manage complex diaries for multiple stakeholders, ensuring efficient scheduling and prioritisation
Screens calls and e-mails, prioritizing items for response and answering routine enquiries. Re-directs items as appropriate
Provides administration support for personal matters, as appropriate
Prepares paperwork for meetings
Organises local and international travel arrangements, including visa requirements, insurance arrangements and the preparation of travel itineraries
Liaises with other support areas as required e.g. Facilities/post room/reception team etc
Produces a wide variety of documentation using appropriate software packages, including reports, presentations, letters and spreadsheets. Reviews final documentation for completeness, accuracy, quality, corporate style and format
Processes invoices and checks and reconciles expenses for their department/team
Keeps informed of all regulatory and legal changes which impacts on the job role
Responds appropriately to urgent issues as they arise
Handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times
Who we’re looking for
Previous experience of working in a secretarial capacity – ideally providing personalised secretarial support
Experience of diary management and compiling international travel itineraries and plans
Understands the role of a PA and has previous experience of being proactive.
Able to use Microsoft office packages in particular Word and Excel
Attention to detail with ability to produce accurate documentation, professional documents which are visually appealing and correct with regards to grammar, layout and spelling.
Ability to work effectively within a team.
Prioritisation and organisational skills – able to demonstrate flexibility with regards to working hours when required and is able to produce a high quality of work within short deadlines.
Can anticipate issues and rectify these on behalf of their manager/team
Internal Networking skills – understands the organisation and where to find answers/relevant resources.
Project Management Skills – able to deal with requests for “one off” pieces of work
Self-motivated
Numerate – able to create spreadsheets and manage expenses processes
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders. Portrays a professional and polished image of the Division to all external contacts.
Able to deal with confidential matters appropriately
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.
Permanent