Regional Manager, Employee Benefits

EMPOWERING PEOPLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

At Howden, we employ talented individuals and empower them to make a real difference to the company, whilst building successful and fulfilling careers.

The entrepreneurial atmosphere is one of the biggest reasons people love to work for us. We are a leading independent global insurance broker with a noticeably flat hierarchy. It doesn't matter how junior or senior, anyone with a good idea will be heard. This means our employees can shape their own career paths and determine their own success.

This atmosphere attracts the brightest talent in the market. If that includes you, get in touch.

Job role: Regional Manager, Employee Benefits

Location: Howden Singapore

Report to: Regional Director, Employee Benefits Asia

A LEADING GLOBAL INDEPENDENT BROKER

Howden is a specialist commercial insurance broker. Its regional footprint covers Singapore (regional headquarters), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. It is part of the London-headquartered Howden Broking Group, a leading independent, global broker with offices in over 40 countries worldwide.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Regional Manager, Employee Benefits Asia is responsible for supporting the growth, retention and strategic management of regional, multinational and global employee benefits clients with Asia presence. The role acts as a key liaison between clients, country teams, insurers and strategic partners to deliver consistent, high-quality employee benefits solutions across multiple markets.

The incumbent will drive client servicing excellence, support new business acquisition and regional tenders, provide technical expertise on employee benefits matters, and contribute to the development and execution of regional growth initiatives. The role also plays an important part in mentoring colleagues, fostering collaboration across countries and driving operational excellence within the regional employee benefits team.

YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Relationship Management & Servicing

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on employee benefits strategy and programme management.
• Coordinate and support local countries for ongoing client servicing activities, renewals, stewardship reviews and strategic discussions across multiple countries.
• Build strong and sustainable client relationships through proactive engagement and responsive service delivery.
• Ensure oversight and ensure consistent execution of agreed service standards across participating markets.
• Collaborate with country teams to address client issues, manage escalations and deliver timely solutions.

New Business Development & Tender Management

• Lead and support new business opportunities, RFPs, RFIs and client pitches.
• Coordinate with country teams, insurers and strategic partners to develop competitive and client-centric proposals.
• Develop solutions and placement strategies that align with client needs and Howden's value proposition.
• Identify and pursue cross-border opportunities within existing and prospective client portfolios.
• Contribute towards achieving regional revenue growth, client retention and profitability targets.

Technical Advisory & Solution Development

• Maintain deep knowledge of employee benefits markets, insurer capabilities, funding arrangements, benefits design and regulatory requirements across Asia.
• In collaboration with local teams, to jointly provide technical guidance and strategic recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor industry developments and emerging market trends to support client strategy discussions.
• In collaboration with local teams, develop practical and commercially viable solutions addressing:
• Benefits design
• Wellbeing programmes
• Employee communication and engagement
• Cost containment strategies
• Programme harmonisation
• Multinational and regional financing arrangements
• Support the development of benchmarking studies, market insights and thought leadership initiatives.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure advice, recommendations and programme designs comply with applicable local regulations, market practices and internal governance standards.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory developments across Asia and communicate implications to clients and colleagues.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and governance processes are adhered to in all client engagements.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across country teams, global colleagues and support functions.
• Effectively manage insurer and vendor relationships to ensure delivery of high-quality solutions and services.
• Negotiate and influence stakeholders to achieve optimal client outcomes.
• Promote a collaborative and client-focused culture across all participating markets.

Operational Excellence & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency, service consistency and operational effectiveness.
• Promote adoption of regional and global tools, technology platforms and best practices.
• Lead or participate in regional projects that enhance scalability, productivity and service delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen the regional employee benefits proposition.

Leadership, Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide coaching and guidance to junior colleagues and country teams.
• Share technical expertise, market insights and best practices across the region.
• Support onboarding, training and capability development initiatives.
• Act as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, accountability and collaboration.
• Represent Howden at client events, industry forums, webinars and conferences where appropriate.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 7-10+ years experience in Employee Benefits consulting, broking, underwriting or related insurance fields.
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits markets and practices across Asia.
• Experience managing regional and global employee benefits programmes.
• Proven experience in client servicing and relationship management.
• Demonstrated success in supporting or leading RFPs, tenders and new business opportunities.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultures and multiple jurisdictions.

Preferred

• Regional or global client management experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional or regional projects.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded and client centric.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative and relationship driven.
• Proactive and results-oriented.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced regional environment.

COMPETENCIES

• A self-starter who takes initiative in engaging and communicate effectively with key stakeholders at all levels
• Strong ability to work independently and anticipate needs
• Passionate about people, inclusion, and building community within the business