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.
The role
Quality Assurance works within Howden Insurance Brokers Limited (HIBL) Operating Entity which is part of the Howden Insurance Broking (the Group).
This is an entry level role and full training will be provided. It is not anticipated that the job holder will have any prior software testing knowledge, but any experience in the items below would be an advantage. Full support, training and certification will be provided as part of your role.
This role will be supporting all aspects of testing of our various business insurance systems and other 3rd party systems/integrations. Although first-hand experience isn’t required, some of the systems that are within the team remit: Global XB, Sector, Novidea, In-House Portals, Insurer’s Market Repository (IMR), CLASS/LORS, PPL and other ad-hoc IT/Infrastructure projects.
Key responsibilities
- Under the direction of line manager and senior colleagues, determine priorities and activities to achieve personal goals and contribute towards the Operating Entity achieving its objectives.
- Manages assigned projects and contribute to other projects as required.
- Provides relevant management information as required
- Responds appropriately to urgent issues as they arise
- Assist with preparation, maintenance and execution of Test Scripts.
- Provide assistance with User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for software upgrades.
- Coordinate testing appointments and associated materials.
- Logging, investigation and resolution of any issues which arise, to be dealt with in a timely manner.
- Occasional trips to other Group offices to meet face to face with business users as required.
- Assist with collating test results, preparing test summaries and presentations.
- Ensure good communication with the Systems Manager and IT colleagues.
- Develop a good working knowledge of broking systems.
- Ensure up to date with system enhancements and changes.
- Provide assistance with software upgrades (Production deployment).
Skills & attributes
- Strong attention to detail.
- Good understanding of Excel and other Microsoft Office products.
- Self-motivated.
- Ability to work effectively on their own or within a team.
- Problem solver – able to resolve issues and share ideas.
- Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills.
- Able to work towards deadlines and achieve objectives.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.
Useful experience (training will be provided)
- This is an entry level role and full training will be provided. It is not anticipated that the individual will have any prior software testing knowledge, but any experience in the items below would be an advantage.
- Experience of Test Management & Defect Management tools such as Azure DevOps, QC and Jira.
- Salesforce testing/training experience.
- Insurance knowledge.
- Experience of testing projects.
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.
