Reinventing the traditional Managed Service Provider Model

In the traditional Managed Service Provider model, supplier relationships are often one-sided: rigid, distant, and focused on compliance over collaboration. But at Profile Group, we do things differently.

As an MSP, we believe that the best way to serve our clients is by treating our staffing partners as true allies, not just vendors. Because when suppliers feel trusted, valued, and heard, they deliver their best work. That’s exactly what happened with g2, one of the key partners helping us deliver top talent to our client John Cockerill.

This is more than a success story, it’s a model for how we operate:
→ Transparent, human-first partnerships with our suppliers
→ Faster, better results for our client
→ And mutual trust all the way down the line: from recruiter to candidate to hiring manager.

How did the collaboration start?

“We faced a high-stakes vacancy that needed to be filled urgently. The pressure was mounting, and the usual channels weren’t yielding results. Then g2 reached out - not by trying to bypass our process or push aggressively, but with a simple, genuine question: ‘How can we help?’

I decided to give them one chance, one critical role, and they delivered within a week. That moment marked the beginning of a relationship built not just on speed, but on trust, mutual respect, and tangible results.”

“That first conversation with Benjamin was unlike any we'd had before. It wasn’t a rigid ‘follow our process’ directive. Instead, it was straightforward: ‘Here’s the problem. Can you solve it?’

That kind of openness is incredibly rare in an MSP environment. Too often, suppliers are treated like mere numbers. But from the start, we felt our value was truly recognized. That tone of trust and transparency has never wavered.

There was no ego, no power play, just collaboration and transparency. We didn’t know each other yet, but we both saw a genuine business need and a chance to bridge a gap. That openness laid the foundation of the trust on which everything else was built.”

How has the collaboration grown over time?

“What stands out to me about g2 is their consistency. They’re not just fast, they’re dependable, highly responsive, and truly focused on quality. Their CV-to-interview ratio hovers around an impressive 2:1.

We collaborate closely on candidate messaging, setting clear expectations and maintaining open communication throughout the process. The result? Strong candidate engagement, zero dropouts, and full alignment with our hiring managers.”

“We went from filling one urgent role to forging a full-fledged partnership: 14 successful placements in just six months - with zero no-shows or early departures.

When replacements were needed, we managed them seamlessly, even reducing costs along the way. For example, we once replaced a candidate within a week with someone equally skilled, at a better rate.

We’ve evolved from being a simple supplier to a true project partner. It’s no longer just about sending CVs; it’s about aligning closely with Profile Group, their hiring managers, and the bigger goal: delivering top-quality talent quickly.

That transformation only happens when there’s mutual trust. Benjamin introduced us to his internal MSP team as a solution, not a hurdle. That alignment enabled us to move faster, prioritize quality profiles, and eliminate friction, even in tough hiring landscapes.”

What makes this collaboration so effective?

“We’ve built a relationship where everyone knows their role and executes it well. g2 doesn’t try to bypass us, and we don’t micromanage them.

What we have isn’t a top-down commercial agreement; it’s a balanced partnership. That balance is crucial. We’re not gatekeepers. We work hand in hand with g2 to deliver real value to the end customer.

For me, the key is balance. We don’t treat g2 like just another number. We give them the space to operate freely, and in return, they’re consistent, responsive, and honest.

They don’t oversell; when they send a candidate, we know it’s a strong match. They respect our timelines, understand our client’s needs, and actively listen to feedback. And that’s because we listen to them as well.

It’s a true two-way street and that balance ultimately benefits the end customer above all.”

“Good business always comes from good relationships. That’s where most traditional MSP models fall short: they start from a place of control, saying, ‘We are the gatekeepers. You play by our rules.’

That approach kills motivation and breeds inefficiency. Agencies end up jumping through hoops to prove their worth in a hostile environment which rarely leads to better hires.

With Profile Group, it’s the opposite. We’re truly aligned. We understand each other’s motivations, work transparently, and are empowered to deliver our best. That’s how you create lasting value: not by ticking boxes, but by building trust and collaboration.”

What's the impact for the end client?

“Let’s be honest: John Cockerill expects a lot (and for good reason). Their roles are often highly technical, urgent, and absolutely critical to the business.

Thanks to g2, we’ve consistently delivered in record time — with zero no-shows, zero premature exits, and seamless continuity. Even when candidates moved on, replacements were swift, smooth, and cost-effective.

This level of service reflects well on both us and g2. But most importantly, it keeps the business running without disruption.”

“We’ve built genuine trust with hiring managers, not by bypassing the MSP, but by demonstrating real value through it. Honestly, it’s the first time I’ve seen this work so seamlessly.

Typically, going through an MSP slows down the process. But with Profile Group, it actually speeds things up. Candidates receive clear briefings, are well managed, and stay motivated. Because Profile Group listens carefully to us about market rates, contract durations, and competitor offers, we can avoid counteroffers, which used to be a major headache. The outcome is not just filling a role, but achieving sustainable hiring.

It’s a win-win-win-win: for the Managed Service Provider, the supplier, the client and the candidates.”

What makes the other partner unique?

“For me, g2 stands out for their honesty and speed. They don’t overpromise, they don’t waste time, and they always deliver on what they commit to.

They have an exceptional understanding of the Belgian market — knowing exactly how to approach candidates, communicate effectively, and follow through with care. We trust them completely, and that trust is fully reciprocated. That mutual confidence is the foundation of our successful collaboration.”

What’s more, they’ve proactively saved us money without being prompted. That reflects a long-term mindset - one that’s about building sustainable value, not just quick wins.”

“What truly sets Profile Group apart is their deep understanding of recruitment — because they are recruiters themselves.

They appreciate the effort behind every great hire. There’s no need for lengthy justifications; they know how to navigate hiring managers and smooth the process. When it comes to purchase orders and invoices, they’re meticulous and prompt, hands down one of the best payers we’ve ever worked with.

Profile Group strikes a rare and valuable balance: they’re large enough to support complex clients, yet small enough to genuinely care.

Most importantly, Profile Group plays the long game. It’s not about squeezing suppliers or chasing short-term savings; it’s about consistent, sustainable delivery that benefits everyone.”

Why this collaboration matters for our clients?

At Profile Group, we don’t see suppliers as obstacles to manage. We see them as partners to empower. Our Managed Service Provider model is designed to bring out the best in every stakeholder: from recruiters to hiring managers, from suppliers to end clients.

When you choose us as your MSP, you’re not just buying structure. You’re gaining a recruitment ecosystem that performs, because it’s built on trust, transparency, and shared goals.