How Matchtech’s relationship-driven Master Vendor MSP delivered 12 years of 100% direct fulfilment, 500+ placements and significant cost savings for ZF without a single competitive retender.
Following ZF’s competitive tender in 2013, Matchtech was appointed as their first-generation Master Vendor MSP partner, building on an existing history as ZF’s leading PSL supplier. Account Manager Ashton Church worked full-time on-site at ZF’s Solihull offices for the first five months, overseeing implementation and working closely with ZF’s internal HR team to understand their stakeholders, culture and challenges. During this period, Ashton identified the need for process and technology modernisation and worked with ZF to implement efficient new workflows and Matchtech’s industry-leading STEM-specific technology stack.
A dedicated Solution Team was assembled comprising Account Director Huw Jones, Account Manager Ashton Church and Delivery Manager James Swift, supported by specialist consultants and a Solution Coordinator. ZF’s existing supply chain was consolidated immediately, from day one, the supply chain had no access to vacancies, enabling 100% direct fulfilment from the outset. During implementation, 30 long-term contractors were safely migrated to new contracts with zero disruption to operations.
Central to the ongoing success of Matchtech’s solution has been Delivery Manager James Swift, a Mobility specialist with 20 years’ experience in the sector. James’ deep market knowledge, extensive candidate networks and 12 years embedded within ZF’s organisation have enabled him to consistently deliver 100% of ZF’s requirements directly. His relationships across ZF’s stakeholders and engineering teams have made him so valued that he is considered an extended member of their own team.
Matchtech’s market reach and insights have allowed ZF to maintain consistent contractor volumes despite a skill-short market, growing competition for STEM talent, and disruptive legislative changes including the IR35 reforms. At peak, 125 contractors were on assignment simultaneously. In total, over 500 placements have been made at a consistent 100% direct fulfilment rate, with single-point invoicing and reduced markups delivering ongoing cost savings compared to the previous multi-agency approach.
Throughout the partnership, Matchtech has consistently gone beyond core delivery to provide added value aligned to ZF’s wider business challenges. During the private sector IR35 reforms, Matchtech provided dedicated guidance and consultancy, organising workshops and meetings to help ZF navigate the legislative changes. During periods of macroeconomic uncertainty, including Brexit and COVID-19, Matchtech researched, developed and implemented contractor contingency plans to ensure continuity, including fully managing the furlough process for PAYE contractors and overseeing contractor offboarding and re-engagement.
Regular market intelligence reports covered rate benchmarking, candidate motivations, market mapping and competitor analysis, enabling ZF to make more informed workforce decisions and Matchtech to develop targeted strategies to maintain 100% fulfilment. In addition to MSP delivery, Matchtech remains on ZF’s PSL for permanent recruitment, complementing their internal TA team and ensuring a joined-up approach to total talent.
Over 12 years, Matchtech has delivered consistent, measurable results for ZF: 100% direct fulfilment maintained throughout the partnership despite challenging market conditions; 500+ total placements; a peak of 125 contractors on assignment simultaneously; 30 long-term contractors safely migrated at implementation with zero operational disruption; and significant cost savings through supply chain consolidation, single-point invoicing and reduced agency markups.
The partnership was initially won on a 5-year term in 2013 and has since been extended three times without ZF going out to tender, a clear testament to the strength, trust and value of the relationship.
