Description
Howden is seeking an experienced Strategic Relationship Director to lead a portfolio of key affinity partners and Appointed Representatives (ARs) within our Education, Student & NFP division.
This is a senior commercial leadership role focused on strengthening strategic partnerships, driving sustainable growth and ensuring effective governance across a regulated environment. Working closely with executive stakeholders, you'll play a pivotal role in protecting and growing long-term relationships while helping shape the future direction of the division.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop strategic affinity partner and Appointed Representative relationships.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with executive and board-level stakeholders.
- Deliver retention, revenue growth and profitability through strategic account planning and proposition development.
- Lead governance, performance and relationship review meetings.
- Identify opportunities to expand partnerships, enhance propositions and develop new products.
- Ensure partners operate within agreed governance frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor performance, manage risk and drive continuous improvement.
- Support the onboarding and integration of new strategic partners.
- Represent the business at client meetings, industry events and networking opportunities.
- Contribute to divisional strategy and long-term growth initiatives.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience leading strategic partnerships, affinity relationships or major accounts within a regulated environment.
- Strong track record of delivering commercial growth and long-term relationship success.
- Experience working with Appointed Representatives, affinity schemes or delegated distribution models.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and realise growth opportunities.
- Credibility and confidence engaging with executive and board-level stakeholders.
- Excellent relationship management, communication and negotiation skills.
- Understanding of regulatory and governance requirements, ideally within insurance or financial services.
- Ability to balance commercial performance with compliance and customer outcomes.
What do we offer in return?
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