Job Description

Who are we?
Howden is a collective - a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. 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 18,000 employees spanning over 100 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.
What is the role?
This is a unique opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organisation using insurance as a tool for social change. As Head of Operations, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring that we continue to deliver impact at scale while strengthening our operational foundations.
You will work with the senior leadership of Humanity Insured - CEO, Chief of Staff and Head of Philanthropy and Head of Projects - to scale Humanity Insured. The focus will be play a critical role in ensuring the efficient running and scaling of the charity. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, you will establish and lead key functions and processes that enable the organisation to deliver and communicate impact effectively.
What will you be doing?
This work will include:

• Operational Efficiency & Strategy: Identify opportunities to improve internal processes and enhance operational effectiveness and impact. Work with the team to implement these.
• Donor & Grantee Onboarding: Develop and refine processes for onboarding donors and grantees to ensure seamless engagement and stewardship. Work with Head of Project and Head of Philanthropy to maintain clear and efficient systems for tracking funding and program impact.
• Governance & Financial Oversight: Ensure the charity meets its obligations in accordance with best governance practices. Oversight for key governance processes, including coordinating reporting to Board and Trustee Committee with responsibility for risk, finance and audit. Work with external auditors to delivery annual audit in line with regulatory requirements. Work with the Chief of Staff and CEO to manage cash flow and ensure responsible stewardship of funds.
• Communications & Marketing Strategy: Work with Lead Associate to develop and implement a communications strategy that enhances the charity's reach and influence.

What are we looking for?
Knowledge / Experience

• Essential:

• Excellent strategic thinking with an ability to improve organisational efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven experience in operations, governance, or financial management within the charity, social enterprise, or private sector.
• Background in working with senior leadership teams and/or trustees.
• Strong understanding of counterparty management (be that donor/grantee/investee/client) and financial oversight.
• Desirable:

• Familiarity with charity operations, climate resilience and/or insurance solutions.
• Experience in communications and/or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience reviewing and agreeing basic legal contracts.
• Experience in managing budgets, audits, and reporting structures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Teams, MS Office and Notion.

Behaviours:

• Determine own work priorities and activities according to agreed objectives
• Coordinate self to deliver in line with/in excess of agreed objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide the highest levels assistance to strategic partners to promote a positive image of the charity at all times
• Behave with all stakeholders (both internal and external) in an honest, professional and ethical manner
• Respond appropriately to urgent issues as they arise
• Actively undertake personal development to ensure relevant knowledge and understanding, and work closely with colleagues to gain an understanding of the technical, procedural, legal and regulatory aspects of tasks to build knowledge

Skills

• Analytical and proactive, able to independently identify potential problems and implement resolution
• Team player
• Confident, with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literate.
• Organised, with good planning and time management skills
• Attention to detail, flexibility and an ability to work to tight deadlines/targets
• Resilient and calm under pressure
• Appetite to learn

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent)

Regulatory and Compliance:
The charity requires the highest standards of corporate governance, operational excellence and financial reporting from all its employees. Specific responsibilities are listed below:

• Ensure compliance of self with all applicable legal, fiscal and regulatory obligations in the form of policies and procedures (e.g., Ensure correct authorisations are obtained and processes are followed).
• Maintain accurate records and deal with correspondence appropriately
• Complete all relevant training

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
We're 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 you're 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