Howden Private Capital Strategy & Operations Graduate Programme 2027

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.

Howden 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: £35,000 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?

• 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!

• Online application form – no CV required: We believe you're more than a document, so we won’t ask you to submit a CV. Please upload a blank document on the application form.
• 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!
• 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.
• 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 £35,000 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.

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 Howden began in 1994, as just three people and a dog. Now there are 23,000 of us, and we're a leading global insurance group, managing $37bn of premiums for our clients. Our largest shareholder group is us – the people who work in the business – supported by three long‑term, minority growth‑equity partners who share our vision to build a business to last, one that will never be sold. The owner's mindset is something that's embedded in our culture; our people readily take ownership of their decisions, their actions, and their outputs. They’re invested in every sense. And we all know that by working together to drive the business forward, everyone will benefit from the extraordinary results we can achieve.

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