"You are the link between the customer and the organization."
Nienke Peeters | MSP Consultant
Meet Nienke Peeters (27), MSP consultant at HeadFirst Group. After completing her studies in HRM and a master's degree in Communication and Information Sciences, she started working at HeadFirst via a consultancy firm. HeadFirst. She is now a permanent employee and the designated contact person for three municipalities in Drenthe. She is happy to tell you more about her role and why she enjoys it so much and gets so much energy from it.
What does an MSP consultant actually do?
You are the link between clients and suppliers and supervise the entire external hiring process, from request to offboarding. In addition to posting job openings and selecting candidates, you advise clients on strategic hiring issues, such as the Dutch DBA Act, equal pay, and supplier management. Nienke herself describes it as a mix of account management, HRM, and recruitment coordination. "Ultimately, we ensure that the right people end up in the right place."
A typical working day as an MSP consultant
"It's constantly changing," says Nienke. Her day consists of intake interviews, CV selection, scheduling interviews, and advising clients. It is precisely because of this variety that you realize how important it is to know exactly what the client needs. At HeadFirst, you also work with a modern VMS system and data reports, which means you don't just give advice based on gut feeling, but also based on market data and benchmark insights.
"I notice that I am getting better and better at benchmarking profiles and giving sharp advice. Recently, for example, I pointed out similar candidates to the client at a much lower rate. In the end, they chose my advice: the same quality, but at a lower cost." This emphasizes her role as a critical and advisory intermediary between suppliers and clients.
This substantive transition goes hand in hand with the fact that she feels part of two teams. "You are essentially the face of HeadFirst to the client," Nienke explains with a smile. "You get to know the culture, talk to managers on a daily basis, and assist them in finding the right talent." According to Nienke, that is what makes the role so enjoyable. "You are given a lot of freedom to do things your way. And that trust is contagious. It motivates you to improve a little bit every day."
What makes the role of MSP consultant challenging?
"The combination," says Nienke without hesitation. "You have to be structured, but also sociable and communicative. This role isn't just about processes, it's about people." Precisely because she meets so many different professionals, the work remains varied. She also greatly enjoys working with the municipalities. "That down-to-earth, honest way of communicating suits me. It's really nice to come into contact with different environments and people in this way. And it's rewarding to work on projects that really mean something to society."
Growth and support
HeadFirst helps you grow from day one. You are guided by experienced colleagues, and there is always someone there to offer advice or take a look at your work. "That collegial atmosphere is worth its weight in gold. You are never on your own."
That also makes it easy to continue learning. “MSP is something you mainly pick up in practice. And because everyone is so open and engaged, you feel more comfortable asking questions and trying new things.”
Why HeadFirst
For Nienke, the working method is distinctive: open, informal, and collaborative. The freedom you are given fits in well with how she likes to work. "People trust you to take responsibility yourself. That gives you energy."
In addition, you will be working in a large, international HR tech environment: with modern tools, data-driven reporting, hybrid working, lots of customer contact, and opportunities for advancement within an organization that is constantly evolving. "If you are ready for something new or more responsibility, there is often room for that."
“Because everyone is so open and engaged, you feel more comfortable asking questions and trying new things.”
What qualities does an MSP consultant need?
According to Nienke, this role is less about what you have already done and much more about how you work and interact with people.
Important qualities are:
- Maintain an overview and work in a structured manner, even when there is a lot going on;
- Be a strong communicator, so you can easily switch between different stakeholders;
- Being able to think analytically – whether that involves comparing resumes, applications, or reports;
These are skills that many professionals already possess, in their own way. And that is precisely what makes this role accessible and enjoyable: you grow into it naturally, step by step, with plenty of guidance around you.
“Don’t be put off by job titles and lists of requirements,” says Nienke. “If you’re curious and enjoy working with people, you’ll feel at home here sooner than you might expect.”
A message to those who are unsure
"Don't hesitate too long," she says with a smile. "You develop yourself in this role by simply doing it. If you enjoy variety, interacting with different stakeholders, and a bit of a challenge, then this is a great place to grow. Just give it a try. Seriously."