Private Capital Strategy & Operations Graduate Programme

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in them not being considered.

Location: London

Start date: September 2027

Salary: £40,000

Working structure: Hybrid

Strategy & Operations Graduate Programme

Help Build a New Global Business from the Ground Up

Looking for a graduate role where you'll gain exposure to business strategy, operations, commercial decision-making and senior leadership from day one?

Join Howden Private Capital (HPC), a newly established global division serving private equity, private credit, infrastructure and institutional investor clients. As a Graduate Analyst in Strategy & Operations, you'll work directly with the Chief Operating Officer to help shape, build and grow a new business within one of the world's leading insurance groups.

Unlike many graduate roles, this position offers broad exposure across every part of the division. You'll support strategic projects, business planning, market research, financial reporting, client initiatives and operational improvements, whilst working closely with senior stakeholders across Howden.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is curious, commercially minded and eager to learn how businesses are built and scaled.

This is a permanent role supported by a structured 18-month development programme, designed to accelerate your professional confidence, commercial understanding and long-term career growth.

What you’ll be doing?

You'll begin with a structured induction before joining the Strategy & Operations team, where you'll work directly with senior leaders across the business.

During the programme, you’ll:

• Research private capital funds, investors, competitors and market trends to support business growth and strategy.

• Prepare briefing notes, market analysis and presentations for senior internal and client meetings.

• Support the development and execution of business plans and strategic initiatives.

• Prepare client-facing materials, including capability presentations, meeting packs and business updates.

• Work alongside marketing teams on campaigns, events and thought leadership projects.

• Coordinate projects, monitor milestones and support the delivery of key business objectives.

• Collaborate with colleagues across Howden, including Financial Institutions, Capital Advisory & Placement (CAP) and international teams.

Who are we looking for?

No insurance experience is needed; we’ll teach you everything you need to know!

You'll be:

• A recent graduate, or in your final year of university study.

• Curious about how businesses grow and make strategic decisions.

• Interested in strategy, operations, consulting, private capital or financial services.

• Analytical and comfortable working with information, data and commercial problems.

• Able to articulate your points clearly and confidently.

• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where plans and priorities can evolve.

• Someone who takes ownership, shows initiative and enjoys learning.

• A collaborative team player who enjoys building relationships across different teams.

To be eligible for our programme, you must have the full and unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Application process

Our application process is designed to help you show your potential, not to test what you already know!

1. Online application form – no CV required: We believe you're more than just a document, so we won’t ask you to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.

2. Online gamified assessment: We’ve created games that will help us understand your natural strengths and how you approach different situations. There are no right or wrong answers. You can complete this stage on your phone or laptop, whichever suits you best!

3. Pre-recorded video interview: You will record your answers to a few questions using your phone or laptop, giving you the chance to tell us more about yourself in your own time in a relaxed setting.

4. Assessment centre: Our final stage is an in-person assessment centre at one of our offices. You'll take part in some fun group activities and meet our team in a relaxed setting. This day is all about getting to know you better and for you to see what it's like to be part of Howden and experience our culture. We'll cover all your travel costs for this day, because where you are now, shouldn’t hold back your future!

Why should you apply?

At Howden, people are at the heart of everything we do. As an employee-owned business, we believe success is built through collaboration, learning and supporting one another. You'll join a permanent role from day one and take part in our structured 18-month development programme, designed to accelerate your technical, commercial and professional growth.

You'll also benefit from:

• A starting salary of £40,000 and a generous pension scheme.

• Opportunity to complete fully funded professional qualifications, such as the CII or CFA, to support your long-term career development.

• Structured learning and development through our 18-month graduate development programme.

• 25 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional day off at Christmas.

• Access to discounted personal health policies, wellbeing support and a range of employee benefits and insurance products.

• 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.

Ready to apply?

Follow our TikTok pages: @earlycareersjo and @millieinsurancecareers, and explore our Connectr hub to discover more about Howden, our culture, and the insurance industry. You'll find resources to help you prepare for our recruitment process and understand which career path could be the best fit for you.

Please read before submitting: You may only apply to one graduate programme for our 2027 intake. Submitting duplicate applications will result in additional applications not being considered.