Why interim hiring is on the rise in Specialty Insurance

Why interim hiring is on the rise in Specialty Insurance

And how interim talent is helping firms deliver faster, smarter and with more flexibility.

By Sarah Hanna | Contract Specialist

1. Speed: Get the right person in place quickly

Permanent recruitment can take several months from brief to start date. By contrast, experienced contractors can be interviewed, offered, & onboarded in as little as a few days.

Example: I recently supported a London Market insurer that urgently needed a Data Modeller as their consultancy was about to roll off. I was engaged exclusively and presented five screened candidates within 48 hours. After interviews, one was onboarded - all within 21 days.

My advice: Have the IR35 status confirmed and a clear process in place. Quick decision-makers consistently secure the best talent.

2. Flexibility: Adjust your team to match demand

Project activity, regulatory timelines, and priorities can shift during the year, so contractors offer the flexibility to scale capacity without long-term cost commitments.

Example: I recently supported a London Market insurer during a peak reporting period, when their permanent Analytics team was at full capacity. They needed short-term support, so I sourced and placed a Power BI Developer on contract to manage their quarterly reporting workload.

My advice: Don’t wait until delivery is at risk. Build a view of your contractor options in advance so you can move when the time is right.

3. Expertise on demand: Niche skills when you need them

Top experts in Change, Cyber, and Systems Implementation often work exclusively on an interim basis, bringing niche skills, market insight, and a delivery-focused approach.

Example: I recently partnered with an insurance broker that urgently needed a Technical Lead Business Analyst. With their trading platform nearing end-of-life and no internal expertise, I sourced and secured a BA with specific system implementation experience to ensure a smooth transition.

My advice: Focus on outcomes. A strong contractor may cost more but will often deliver value faster and with fewer escalations.

4. Cost efficiency: Value beyond the day rate

Contractors may seem costly upfront but save money through faster delivery, fewer delays, and no ongoing employment costs like pensions, bonuses & NI contributions.

Example: I recently supported an insurer on an application integration project by bringing in a contract Solution Architect. With no in-house architecture function, this provided a flexible, cost-effective way to design the integration without committing to a permanent hire.

My advice: Use contractors for clear, outcomes-focused work - they can be more cost-effective than permanent hires when scoped well.

5. Reduced risk and greater control

Interim professionals help you adapt to changing priorities, fill team gaps, and navigate hiring freezes - keeping delivery on track despite shifting circumstances.

Example: I recently placed a Programme Manager to maintain momentum across key initiatives following the departure of the Head of Change. The contractor’s strong performance led the client to extend the engagement beyond the original term, ensuring continuity and progress.

My advice: Contractors give you a buffer against internal disruption. When agility matters, interim adds stability.

Ready to secure the right interim talent and keep your projects on track? Get in touch:

Sarah Hanna | Contract Specialist | Insurance

Email: sarah@pioneer-search.com

Phone: 0203 828 6959