--- title: "Your MSP: An Ally for Great Supplier Relationship Management" description: Achieve the maximum benefit of supplier relationship management with a managed service provider (MSP) partner to help support and empower your supplier network. image: https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/three-colleagues-discussing-business.jpg --- AGS Blog Header Toggle navigation [![Allegis Global Solutions](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/ags/logos/AGS-Logo_reversed.svg) Global Workforce Management Solutions - Allegis Global Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/) [Skip to Content](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/your-msp-an-ally-for-great-supplier-relationship-management#main-content) - [Research](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/research) - [Advisory and Transformation](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/advisory-and-transformation) - [Managed Services](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services) toggle menu - [Managed Service Provider (MSP)](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/managed-service-provider) - [Contingent Workforce Supplier Management](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/managed-service-provider/supply-chain-management) - [Direct Sourcing Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/managed-service-provider/direct-sourcing) - [Procurement Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/procurement-solutions) - [Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/recruitment-process-outsourcing) - [Direct Sourcing Solutions](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/direct-sourcing-solutions) - [Capabilities](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities) - [Acumen](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities/acumen) - [Ignite Consulting](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities/ags-ignite-consulting) - [Partners](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/capabilities/partners) - [Industries](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries) - [Consumer and Industrial Products](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/consumer-and-industrial-products) - [Healthcare](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/healthcare) - [Life Sciences](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/life-sciences) - [Financial Services](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/financial-services) - [Information Technology](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/managed-services/industries/information-technology) - [Insights](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights) toggle menu - [Blog](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/) - [Podcast](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights/podcast) - [White Papers](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights/white-papers) - [Case Studies](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/insights/case-studies) - [About](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us) toggle menu - [News & Events](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events) - [Press Releases](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases) - [Awards](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/awards) - [Events](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/events) - [AGS In The News](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/news-and-events/in-the-news) - [Careers](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/careers) - [Contact Us](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/contact-us) - [Locations](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/about-us/locations) - [Search Site](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/search) - Select Language Americas [English](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en) APAC [English](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en-au) EMEA [English](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en-gb) ### Stay Ahead of What’s Happening in Your Industry by Subscribing to The AGS Blog  Be the first to know about trends shaping the workforce industry. When you join, you’ll get a free digital copy of “The Universal Workforce Model™: An Outcome-First Guide to Getting Work Done.” Coauthored by industry thought leaders Simon Bradberry and Bruce Morton, this book takes you on journey to harmonized workforce management.   ![UWM_Spread (1)-min](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/UWM_Spread%20(1)-min.png "UWM_Spread (1)-min") - [Blog Homepage](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com) # Your MSP: An Ally for Great Supplier Relationship Management September 13, 2021 [![](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JMS%202021%20(2).jpg?width=40&name=JMS%202021%20(2).jpg) By Jess Schamburg](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/author/jess-schamburg) [Contingent Workforce](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/contingent-workforce) Secure the right talent, at the right price and the right time. These are common goals shared by every stakeholder in an organization’s talent strategy. And when it comes to securing talent in the world of the [contingent and extended workforce](https://www2.staffingindustry.com/Editorial/Daily-News/Number-of-US-contingent-workers-totals-51.5-million-temps-assigned-by-staffing-firms-at-8.5-million-SIA-report-58836), these goals are more important than ever. A company’s suppliers, the [managed services provider (MSP) partner](https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en/workforce-solutions/managed-service-provider) that drives the engagement of those suppliers, and stakeholders at the client company all benefit when their [contingent workforce priorities](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/3-contingent-workforce-priorities-leaders-cant-ignore) align. And while the MSP is responsible for [rationalizing rates](https://www.brightfield.com/post/identifying-hidden-factors-driving-bill-rates-up-an-introduction) and tracking performance across the network, the old view of the MSP as an adversary to the supplier is no longer practical. [![Report: Achieve a Stronger Workforce Strategy](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/322350/ba268f3b-837d-42f7-bee5-72df32d4a8fc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/322350/ba268f3b-837d-42f7-bee5-72df32d4a8fc) In fact, effective supplier relationship management begins when the MSP acts as an ally to the supplier. Consider the partnership advantages. An MSP plays a vital role in keeping the path to opportunity open for the supplier. The MSP should cultivate opportunities for top-performing suppliers, and it should smooth the way to a positive relationship with the client. When looking at the strength or potential of an MSP partner, supplier relationship management should be a priority. After all, the MSP is responsible for ensuring suppliers are set up for success throughout the lifecycle of a client’s program. What can MSPs do to best empower their supplier network? The answer is simple: open communication and a sound approach to performance. ![three-colleagues-discussing-business](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/three-colleagues-discussing-business.jpg?width=1200&name=three-colleagues-discussing-business.jpg) ## Create an Open Communication Environment MSPs need to communicate regularly and frequently with suppliers. They must also establish an open environment that allows parties to share feedback and collaborate. Communication is a two-way street! Successful suppliers should feel comfortable approaching MSPs to share insights and ask questions. How do we get there? The following are examples of proven approaches to supplier relationship management that improve engagement and responsiveness across the network. Standardize and Automate Requisition Updates This step is critical throughout the lifecycle of job requisitions. Not only does it help supplier engagement when prioritizing requisitions; it also improves the candidate experience. Host Supplier Forums Suppliers, MSP team members and client stakeholders truly benefit from meetings that discuss program data, trends, priorities and upcoming initiatives. Conduct Focus Groups Engaging a small, targeted number of supplier representatives allows suppliers to provide thoughtful insights in a safe, controlled environment. This feedback is often used when evaluating both strategic and process plans. Deploy Supplier Surveys Surveys, whether they are anonymous or not, typically provide valuable data for MSPs and clients to consider. Suppliers want their voices to be heard! Engage Key Suppliers with Strategy Planning & Discussions Give the suppliers insight into the strategy and future plans for your business. Allow the suppliers to share their feedback in a safe, open environment. Supplier engagement and input is important, as it can boost program effectiveness and result in a higher level of adoption when a new process is rolled out. ![hands-typing-on-laptop](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hands-typing-on-laptop.jpg?width=1200&name=hands-typing-on-laptop.jpg) ## Establish a Sound Approach to Performance Healthy competition and accountability add up to great performance from the supplier network. Toward that end, it’s imperative that an MSP clearly communicates their expectations for suppliers’ success in a program. The following are examples of top-of-mind practices for building clear expectations and fostering quality results. Establish a Level Playing Field MSPs should hold all suppliers accountable to the same performance metrics and goals when using scorecards. Diversify the Supply Chain The MSP should strive to engage suppliers that bring different strengths and value to programs. This is crucial to achieving the more challenging goals of a program and presents more opportunity to small or niche suppliers. Consolidate and Align Distribution Lists Historical data shows that smaller distribution lists that are aligned to suppliers’ top markets and skill sets will benefit the overall program metrics but also provide better opportunities to suppliers. Don’t Let Optimization Become a Bad Word Optimizing the supply chain should not be considered a bad thing in the eyes of strong-performing suppliers. After all, optimization is critical to ensure clients have the best suppliers supporting them and, in turn, that the suppliers have a steady stream of opportunities from the client. The process could involve removing or adding suppliers, but either way, it typically results in better returns on investment for the supply chain. Recognize Suppliers Recognition is an important part of any competitive environment, and an MSP can formally recognize its suppliers in a variety of ways. Common examples are annual awards within individual programs and enterprise-wide incentive programs that select suppliers to partner with the MSP throughout the year. ## Embrace an Active Approach to Supplier Relationship Management A high-performing supply chain doesn’t happen by itself. The path to such a responsive network requires a continuous commitment to maintaining open communication and maximizing performance. By engaging an MSP with deep experience in driving supplier relationships, an organization can reap the benefits of a network that will respond quickly, deliver quality results and support a cost-effective strategy. [![Report: Achieve a Stronger Workforce Strategy](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/322350/ba268f3b-837d-42f7-bee5-72df32d4a8fc.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/322350/ba268f3b-837d-42f7-bee5-72df32d4a8fc) ![subscribe](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hubfs/subscribe.svg "subscribe") ### Insights to Stay Ahead Stay up to date with the latest trends shaping the talent industry. Get weekly insights delivered straight to your inbox. [Sign me up](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/your-msp-an-ally-for-great-supplier-relationship-management#open-subscribe-form) Search Search ### Related Articles [![](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20Australian%20Organisations%20Turn%20AI%20Into%20Workforce%20Advantage_Hubspot%20Image.png?width=370&name=How%20Australian%20Organisations%20Turn%20AI%20Into%20Workforce%20Advantage_Hubspot%20Image.png)](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/australian-organisations-turning-ai-into-workforce-advantage) [Contingent Workforce](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/contingent-workforce) ##### [How Australian Organisations Are Turning AI Into a Workforce Advantage](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/australian-organisations-turning-ai-into-workforce-advantage) May 22, 2026 [![](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Julie%20Jenkins%20Headshot%20for%20newsletter-1.png?width=25&name=Julie%20Jenkins%20Headshot%20for%20newsletter-1.png) By Julie Jenkins](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/author/julie-jenkins) [Contingent Workforce](https://blog.allegisglobalsolutions.com/topic/contingent-workforce) Workforce management has seen many innovations, but few have delivered large‑scale transformation. 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