Role: Vice President, Real Estate Representations & Warranties Insurance (RWI)

Location: Hybrid out of NYC or Los Angeles

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 mind-set, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 20,000 employees spanning over 100 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.

About Howden Private Capital

Howden Private Capital is the transactional risk arm of Howden, advising private equity sponsors, real estate investors, REITs, developers, corporates, and law firms on Representations & Warranties Insurance, Tax Liability Insurance, Contingent Risk, Structured Solutions, and Credit Insurance. We provide tailored risk-transfer solutions that support efficient transaction execution and capital protection.

Position Summary

The Vice President will play a key role in the execution and placement of Real Estate Representations & Warranties Insurance (RWI) policies for complex real estate acquisitions, dispositions, recapitalizations, and portfolio transactions. The position combines transaction execution, legal and diligence review, insurer engagement, and client advisory responsibilities.

The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of real estate transactions, purchase and sale agreements, due diligence disciplines, and transactional risk products. This individual will work closely with private equity firms, real estate sponsors, law firms, lenders, and insurers throughout the transaction lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Deal Execution & Insurance Placement

• Lead and manage Real Estate RWI placements from engagement through policy binding.

• Coordinate underwriting processes with insurers, clients, brokers, and advisors.

• Prepare marketing submissions, underwriting materials, and transaction summaries.

• Manage timelines and ensure efficient execution across multiple active transactions.

Due Diligence & Risk Analysis

• Review purchase agreements, title reports, surveys, environmental reports, leases, zoning analyses, tax diligence reports, and other real estate diligence materials.

• Identify transaction risks and advise clients regarding insurable exposures.

• Analyze insurer coverage positions and provide recommendations on policy structure and negotiation strategy.

Client Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor to real estate sponsors, private equity firms, developers, and law firms.

• Explain policy terms, exclusions, retention structures, and coverage enhancements.

• Provide thoughtful guidance on transaction-related risks and market developments.

Business Development

• Support business development initiatives and relationship management efforts.

• Participate in client meetings, industry events, and thought leadership initiatives.

• Help expand Howden’s Real Estate RWI presence within the private equity and real estate communities.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Mentor Analysts, Associates, and Assistant Vice Presidents.

• Collaborate across RWI, Tax, Contingent Risk, Structured Solutions, and Credit Insurance teams.

• Contribute to process improvements and market intelligence sharing across the platform.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• JD preferred.

Experience

• 4–8 years of experience in private equity real estate, commercial real estate investment, investment banking, or related M&A and transactional advisory roles or 2-5 years of experience in real estate law.

• Strong understanding of real estate purchase agreements and transaction structures.

• Experience reviewing legal documentation and diligence materials.

• Exposure to RWI or other transactional risk products is highly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.

• Client-focused with a commercial mindset.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• CRM platforms such as Salesforce.

• Strong drafting, presentation, and client communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected base salary range for this role is $215,000 - $265,000; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location. This role is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave

• Life and Disability insurance

Our sustainability promise

We’re on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, to doing good business, and to making a positive impact wherever we can. Our governance processes, company policies, and review systems are all geared towards our goal of making a positive impact in the world. You can read more about our sustainability work here.