How Eames Consulting became a key provider of data talent to a leading global insurance company

The client 

Our client is an international insurer and reinsurer focusing on modern, specifically designed technology and in-depth industry expertise to deliver their specialist underwriting capabilities. 

The challenge 

For some years, the company had been working exclusively with a single talent partner. Although the consultancy had proved effective for many of their hiring needs, they were struggling to find the right specialist data talent in the required timeframe. This was especially concerning whenever the client needed urgent support with a business-critical data project. In August 2021, they decided to diversify their panel to give themselves more choice and quicker access to great data talent. 

The solution 

“When I first engaged them, the client was experiencing challenges hiring talented data professionals, particularly when it came to their urgent data needs. With my wide network of quality candidates who we’ve worked with time and again, and my detailed understanding of the insurance industry, I knew that I could help them.”  Jim Freeman, Associate Director, Eames Consulting 

Jim Freeman, then a senior principal consultant in the data team at Eames Consulting, engaged the insurer that August. He quickly demonstrated that he not only had a detailed understanding of the client’s business, projects and objectives, but access to an impressive pool of data analysts, data architects and other data experts, who we’d previously deployed successfully into other London market insurers. Jim placed his first consultant with the client in September.  

Impressed by our ability to fulfil an urgent hiring need, the company shortly afterwards agreed to a statement of work for staff augmentation, ensuring that we would supply contractors to help them deliver on complex projects, and scale up and down on demand. As part of our service level agreement, we would provide three strong profiles for a single role within 24 hours. 

The result 

“Once we’d come in and proved that we could quickly fill urgent requirements with the right quality, while providing the right service along the way, we’d earned the trust to support the client with their wider talent needs.”  Daniel Navazesh, Partner and Executive Director, Eames Consulting 

From that initial engagement, we’ve placed high quality data contractors in the data engagement, data architecture, data quality and BI teams. We’ve consistently networked across the client’s business and created opportunities in other areas beyond data, culminating in our involvement in over 30 different projects. These have mainly been in change and transformation, with Laura Bellamy, manager of our change and transformation team, sourcing business analysts, project managers, delivery leads and product owners. Robin Muir, associate director for digital enablement, supports the client’s hiring needs in testing and core IT. We’ve since also started supporting them in insurance specialised functions. 

The future 

With a continued pipeline of projects into 2025 and beyond, our focus remains not only on attracting the best talent for the client, but on working closely to retain the consultants we’ve provided who continue to fulfil project demand. 

By demonstrating their commitment to the client and everything they’re trying to achieve, our expert consultants are not just seeing out the projects they’re working on, but often having their contracts extended. As a result, our partnership with the client continues to strengthen and we continue working with them to identify where else we can help across the business. 

“Jim never shies away from a challenge. He knows the kind of people I require for my team in terms of the cultural fit and experience. Even with a vague job description, I get a small set of CVs that have been through the vetting process and that makes my job easier. Jim makes the effort and takes the time to understand what is important for the role as the group of analysts I hire and work with are multifaceted. It is always a pleasure working with Jim.” - Head of Data Engagement 

“Recruiting staff is something I never look forward to – but over the past few years, Jim has made it a lot easier! He always manages to come up with some candidates who hit the requirements exactly. He listens to what's needed, and doesn't bombard you with loads of duff CVs. Pleasant and professional to work with, Jim is my go-to recruitment consultant for top-quality data architects.” - Head of Data Architecture 

To discuss how we can help you source the best data talent for your organisation, please contact Jim here. You can also meet our technology and digital enablement team here.