HeadFirst supports WMD throughout the external hiring process, from publishing requests and managing contracts to timesheet registration, invoicing and reporting. Through this partnership, WMD is bringing its external workforce management together in one centralised process. This gives the organisation greater insight into the deployment and costs of external professionals, reduces administrative workload and helps further professionalise its hiring processes. WMD Drinkwater has selected HeadFirst as its partner for the organisation and management of external workforce hiring.

One centralised process for external workforce management

Through this partnership, WMD is adopting a centralised approach to external workforce management. Requests, contracts, timesheets and invoices are handled through a single process and platform, providing greater visibility into the use of external professionals across the organisation. WMD gains better insight into ongoing assignments, contract types, rates and costs. Responsibilities and processes are also more clearly defined.

[Name], [position] at WMD:

“We want to organise external hiring in a more transparent and straightforward way. Having one centralised approach and a single point of contact brings greater clarity to the organisation. At the same time, we retain the flexibility to engage the right expertise quickly whenever it is needed. We see this reflected in our partnership with HeadFirst.”

The centralised setup enables WMD to manage its external workforce more effectively. By bringing together information on requests, professionals, contracts, rates and costs, the organisation gains a more comprehensive overview of its external workforce. This allows WMD to make better-informed decisions about external hiring and respond promptly when developments within the organisation or the labour market require adjustments. The partnership also helps further standardise processes and automate them wherever possible.

Signing ceremony for the partnership agreement

 

HeadFirst contributes labour market knowledge and expertise

In addition to operational support, HeadFirst brings knowledge of the labour market and the market for external professionals. HeadFirst helps WMD connect with suitable professionals and provides insight into market developments and competitive rates.

HeadFirst also supports WMD with legislation and regulations relating to external workforce engagement. This means the centralised process is not only made more efficient but also places greater emphasis on the conditions under which external professionals are engaged.

Bastiaan Moll, Sector Director Utility at HeadFirst:

“WMD wants to do more than just centralise external hiring. It also wants to use this approach to gain better insight and greater control over its external workforce. This aligns closely with our role as a partner. We combine our services with labour market knowledge and expertise in external workforce management. This enables us to support WMD in finding the right professionals and further professionalising its hiring processes.”

The partnership between WMD and HeadFirst commenced on 1 March 2026 and has an initial term of four years, with two possible extensions of two years each.

 

About HeadFirst, powered by Vertage

Vertage is the new name of HeadFirst Group in the Netherlands and the global brand behind Striive, HeadFirst, Sterksen, StarApple and ProUnity.

Vertage is committed to reshaping the way work gets done. By bringing together the right combination of specialist professionals and AI, Vertage helps people and organisations move faster, think bigger and stay ahead in the age of intelligence.

Built on decades of workforce expertise, enterprise-level governance and a global talent community of 1.5 million specialist professionals across 80 countries, Vertage helps organisations solve talent and delivery challenges with greater speed, intelligence and control.

Across recruitment, workforce solutions, services procurement and global employment, Vertage provides the expertise, intelligence and trusted execution needed to move complex work forward. With a gross transaction value of $12 billion, Vertage turns insights into action and makes every assignment a step towards what comes next.

Partners smiling and posing for the camera

Media enquiries

For questions or comments regarding this press release, please contact Natasja Spooren, Manager Marketing & Events at Vertage Netherlands, on +31 6 15192485 or at natasja.spooren-wassenaar@vertage.com.