Strategic Relationship Director - Commercial & Schemes

Location: Cheltenham - St James House, Home - UK- England

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Who are we?

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 24,000 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.

Strategic Relationship Director - Education, Student & NFP

Were 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, youll play a pivotal role in protecting and growing long-term relationships while helping shape the future direction of the division.

The Opportunity

Youll take ownership of a portfolio of strategically important partners, ensuring strong performance, effective governance and continued commercial growth.

Acting as a trusted adviser to executive and board-level stakeholders, youll develop partnership strategies, identify new opportunities and oversee relationship performance. Balancing commercial objectives with regulatory responsibilities, youll help maximise the value of existing partnerships while supporting future growth.

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 Were 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.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead a high-profile portfolio that is central to the success of our Education, Student & NFP division. Youll have the autonomy to influence strategy, strengthen key partnerships and drive growth while working closely with senior leaders across the business.

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

Reasonable adjustments

Were 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 youre 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