Surety Insurance Graduate Programme

Who are we?

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. We're experts helping clients adapt and thrive in a changing world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mind-set, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees and spanning 56 countries.

Our people are our biggest asset as well as our largest shareholder group and are everything that makes us unique; our inclusive culture, the quality service we offer our clients, and our continued growth, all come from our people-first approach. There’s no such thing as individual success. We all need to play our part, contributing our skills and experience to make a true difference. That’s Howden.

Why work at Howden?

We have always been employee-owned and driven by entrepreneurial spirit. Right from the beginning, we've focused on employing talented individuals and empowering them to make a real difference to the company, whilst building successful and fulfilling careers at the same time. Simply put, we hire talented specialists and give them what they need to make a difference for clients. Always have, always will.
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 disappointed head-hunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Howden CAP and our Surety Team

Howden CAP (Capital, Advisory and Placement) advises banks, large corporate firms and investment funds on how insurance can facilitate transactions such as investments, loans and acquisitions.
Within CAP is our Surety Team who provide access to bespoke surety bonding for international and complex risks, acting as the link between clients and insurers.

Surety insurance helps protect clients if a business fails to meet its contractual obligations, such as completing a project or paying what it owes. A surety bond is a promise backed by an insurer and if the business fails to deliver, the insurer steps in to protect the client.

The Graduate Programme

You will join a collaborative and ambitious team where our clients are at the centre of everything we do. We are looking for curious Law and Finance graduates who are keen to start their careers in insurance.
This programme is designed to give you early exposure to real client work, supported by structured training and hands-on learning from experienced professionals.

What you’ll be doing

• Learn about our surety products and the end-to-end process for placing surety bonds.

• Work directly with clients, insurers and underwriters to structure and place surety bonds.

• Review legal contracts, financial records to identify any risks that may make the surety bond too risky for an insurer.

• Support with reviewing client documentation and preparing materials for upcoming meetings.

• Assist with taking meeting notes to ensure that client files are accurate and up to date.

• Gain early exposure to client and insurer meetings, learning how our clients are advised and how deals are negotiated.

• Build and maintains strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external contacts.

What are we looking for?

No experience or technical knowledge is required - we’ll teach you everything you need to know!

• Soon-to-be or recent Law and Finance graduates who have a keen interest in commercial, legal, and financial matters.

• A keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills.

• Individuals with strong interpersonal skills who thrive on connecting and building relationships with others.

• Ability to influence and negotiate in professional settings.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and comfortable speaking on the phone with senior individuals.

• Resilient and hard-working graduates who are curious to learn and develop.

• You must have full unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Why apply?

• Opportunity to complete fully funded professional and technical training relevant for your role and career pathway.

• Access to discounted personal health policies as well as a range of insurance products.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and an extra day off for Christmas.

• Competitive salary and generous pension scheme.

• Excellent training and development schemes and accelerated career progression.

• Cycle to work loan scheme and discount on gym memberships.

• 2 days allocated to take part in volunteering schemes.

At Howden, we are committed to developing and maintaining a culture of equality and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working structure: 4 days in office