OVERVIEW
The insurance industry is undergoing a rapid transformation. From climate change-induced disasters to skyrocketing claims costs and shifting customer expectations, insurers face pressure to modernize their operations and technology platforms. Yet legacy systems, a scarcity of specialist talent, and complex system implementations continue to create roadblocks.
At the heart of this modernization push are two dominant platforms: Guidewire™ and Duck Creek Technologies™. These systems offer insurers the scalability, flexibility, and efficiency needed to thrive in a digital-first market. However, recruiting permanent employees who are skilled professionals to implement, manage, and optimize these platforms remains a significant challenge.
Stratton Royce is the trusted recruitment partner for insurers across the UK, US, and Europe looking to build high-performing teams for both Guidewire™ and Duck Creek™ environments. We have deep expertise in these platforms and maintain exclusive relationships with top-tier professionals in this niche space.
GUIDEWIRE™ & DUCK CREEK™ – INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
While both platforms deliver game-changing capabilities, their implementation journeys come with shared and unique hurdles:
Common Challenges Across Both Platforms
Specialist Talent Shortage: Only a small percentage of tech professionals have hands-on experience with Guidewire™ or Duck Creek™. Finding them requires niche expertise.
Legacy Integration: Merging modern platforms with outdated infrastructure often requires complex migration strategies.
Customization Complexity: Tailoring systems to fit each insurer’s unique workflows can delay timelines and drive up costs.
Change Management: Teams need comprehensive training and new processes, which can temporarily disrupt operations.
Talent Pools: These are is highly limited, and often, 96% of potential candidates are ruled out based on location, visa status, or budget.
Time to Hire: The average time to hire a qualified expert is 4.5x longer than for standard roles.
Demand vs Supply: Demand far exceeds supply, especially for onshore talent in the US and UK.
OUR ROLE AS YOUR PARTNER
At Stratton Royce, we specialize exclusively in insurance systems talent. We don’t just place people — we build long-term capability within your organization. Here’s how:
Niche Talent Network
We maintain deep-rooted relationships with professionals in both the Guidewire™ and Duck Creek™ ecosystems — many of whom rely solely on Stratton Royce for new opportunities and market insight.
Onshore Focus, Global Reach
We cover every corner of the onshore market in the UK and US. Whether you're hiring permanent staff or engaging short-term consultants, we offer access to talent few others can reach.
Tailored Hiring Solutions
From permanent hires to interim contractors and project-based consulting teams, we tailor each hiring approach to meet your operational goals, project timelines, and budget constraints.
Strategic Market Insight
We offer guidance on talent availability, compensation trends, and competitor positioning to help you build a future-proof hiring strategy.
WHO WE WORK WITH
We work with a select group of insurers and consultancies where we can add meaningful, measurable value. Our typical engagements include:
Enterprise-level Insurance system transformation programs
Talent strategy for core systems modernisation
Interim staffing for time-sensitive project rollouts
Long-term resourcing for internal Centers of Excellence
Most of our business comes from referrals in the insurance systems space — a testament to the trust and results we deliver.