What Makes or Breaks an MSP? Choosing the Right Partner

In an increasingly complex and competitive talent landscape, businesses cannot afford inefficiencies in how they manage and source their workforce. The Managed Service Programme (MSP) has emerged as a critical solution, offering structure, efficiency, and strategic oversight for contingent workforce management.

But as with any powerful tool, the effectiveness of an MSP depends entirely on how it is implemented and who is delivering it. The right MSP partner will drive visibility, compliance, and operational excellence. The wrong one will create costly bottlenecks, compliance risks, and talent disengagement.

At Orion, we have seen both sides of this equation. We understand first-hand why choosing the right MSP partner is one of the most important strategic decisions a business can make when shaping its workforce strategy. Here is how we structure and deliver our MSP solutions, the value they create, and what can happen when that partnership is not working as it should.

Understanding Orion’s MSP Model

Orion delivers MSP solutions through two core models: Master Vendor and Vendor-Neutral.

Master Vendor MSP

In the Master Vendor approach, Orion acts as the single point of contact and responsibility for managing the entire contingent workforce supply chain. We manage all talent supply, including direct sourcing, supply chain partners, and niche or specialist suppliers where required.

This model gives clients the benefit of a streamlined process, with full oversight, consistency, and speed. We take on responsibility for performance management of the supply chain, ensuring every supplier adheres to agreed standards for delivery, compliance, and candidate experience.

Vendor-Neutral MSP

In the Vendor-Neutral model, Orion acts as an impartial programme manager, ensuring that a pre-approved list of suppliers is engaged fairly and competitively. We do not favour any one supplier and operate the programme to drive best value, quality, and compliance through open competition.

This approach is particularly effective for organisations that require a broader, more diversified supply chain, often across multiple regions or specialist markets. It ensures healthy competition, drives innovation, and gives clients greater flexibility to tap into niche talent pools.

Both models can be configured and scaled depending on client needs, with technology, data, and service levels tailored to suit each business.

The Value of Visibility, Control and VMS Technology

An effective MSP is not just about managing suppliers, it is about giving the client visibility and control over their entire contingent workforce. This is where technology plays a critical role.

At Orion, our MSP programmes are underpinned by advanced Vendor Management System (VMS) technology. This gives our clients:

• Real-time visibility of contingent workers across departments, regions, and projects
• Automated compliance checks and audit trails
• Cost control through transparent rate management and benchmarking
• Performance tracking across suppliers, hiring managers, and workforce segments
• Data-driven insights to support workforce planning and optimisation

By integrating VMS technology into the heart of the MSP, clients gain a level of control and intelligence that simply is not achievable with manual processes or fragmented supplier management. This visibility is often the key difference between a reactive and a proactive workforce strategy.

What Goes Wrong Without the Right MSP Partner?

Unfortunately, not all MSPs deliver these outcomes. In fact, we are often brought in to replace underperforming MSPs where businesses have experienced significant problems. Here are some of the most common issues that arise when the wrong partner is in place:

Mismanaged Supply Chain

Without strong governance, the supply chain can quickly become unmanageable. Too many suppliers, inconsistent standards, and poor communication lead to fragmented service, variable candidate quality, and increased costs.

A good MSP actively manages and rationalises the supply chain, ensuring suppliers are aligned, accountable, and delivering consistent value.

Compliance Failures

Workforce compliance is non-negotiable. From right-to-work checks to health and safety regulations, IR35, and data privacy, there is a complex web of legal obligations that must be met.

A weak MSP may lack the rigour, processes, or oversight to ensure full compliance, exposing the client to legal and financial risk. Compliance should be a built-in, automated part of the MSP, not an afterthought.

Sluggish Hiring

Speed is everything in today’s talent market. A disjointed or poorly managed MSP will slow down hiring processes, with unclear ownership, manual steps, and bottlenecks between suppliers.

The result is missed talent, frustrated hiring managers, and lost competitive advantage. An effective MSP streamlines every stage of the process, with clear accountability and technology-enabled workflows that accelerate time to hire.

Candidate Disengagement

Candidates today expect a professional, transparent, and engaging hiring experience. If the MSP process is inconsistent, poorly communicated, or impersonal, candidates will disengage quickly.

This not only damages the employer brand but also impacts future hiring success. A strong MSP partner ensures that the candidate experience is positive and aligned with the client’s values at every touchpoint

What Makes a Great MSP Partnership?

Given these potential pitfalls, what does a successful MSP partnership look like? 

Aligned Objectives

First and foremost, the MSP must be aligned with the client’s strategic objectives. Whether the focus is on cost control, speed, compliance, diversity, or innovation, the MSP should act as a true partner in achieving those goals, not just as a transactional service provider. 

Transparent Communication

Open, transparent communication is essential. The client must have full visibility of performance metrics, challenges, and opportunities. The MSP should proactively share insights and recommendations, fostering a collaborative, trust-based relationship. 

Continuous Improvement

A great MSP never stands still. Workforce markets evolve rapidly, and so should the MSP solution. The best partners continuously innovate, bringing new ideas, technology, and best practices to keep the client ahead of the curve. 

Flexible and Scalable Delivery

 Every business is different, and workforce needs change over time. The MSP must be flexible and scalable, capable of adapting to new geographies, regulations, business models, and market demands without losing effectiveness. 

Strong Governance and Compliance

Finally, a great MSP delivers robust governance and compliance. Processes must be watertight, technology must support automated compliance, and the MSP must take full accountability for managing risk on behalf of the client.

How Orion Delivers Strategic Workforce Control

At Orion, our MSP solutions are built on these principles. We view every client relationship as a long-term partnership, with a shared commitment to achieving strategic workforce goals.

Our approach combines:

• Deep expertise in managing contingent workforce programmes across multiple industries and regions
• Advanced VMS technology that provides real-time visibility and control
• A flexible service model that adapts to each client’s needs and priorities
• Rigorous governance and compliance frameworks
• Continuous innovation and improvement, keeping clients ahead of market trends

We take pride in being more than just a supplier. We act as an extension of our clients’ teams, bringing market intelligence, operational excellence, and strategic insight to every engagement.

Avoiding MSP Pitfalls: How Orion Makes the Difference

Choosing the right MSP partner is one of the most impactful decisions a business can make in managing its workforce. The risks of choosing poorly are high, from compliance failures to lost talent and spiralling costs.

But with the right partner, the rewards are even greater. An effective MSP brings clarity, control, and strategic advantage, turning workforce management into a driver of business success.

At Orion, we have helped businesses of all sizes and sectors transform their contingent workforce strategies. Our combination of experience, technology, and partnership approach consistently delivers results that go beyond transactional supply chain management.

If you are looking to master your workforce strategy and avoid the pitfalls of a poorly managed MSP, we would welcome the opportunity to show you how Orion makes the difference.

Ready to take control of your contingent workforce?

Talk to the Orion team today to discover how our flexible, technology-driven MSP solutions can transform your hiring, compliance, and supplier management.

Let’s build a workforce strategy that works for you.

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