Implementing a direct sourcing solution can feel overwhelming, especially when it intersects with other systems like VMS, MSP, or CRM. Some organizations tackle these decisions in phases, rolling out each solution separately. Others, like Warner Brothers Discovery, embrace a “big bang” approach, integrating direct sourcing alongside adjacent systems simultaneously. This method maximizes efficiency, accelerates transformation, and delivers immediate scalability – streamlining the rollout and creating a cohesive, future-ready talent strategy.
Following a significant merger, Warner Brothers Discovery, global media leader, faced the challenge of many disparate systems. Their contingent labor programs and tech stacks were disconnected, making it nearly impossible to assess and track talent effectively. “We were all over the map with many different programs, many different systems,” said Phil Montag, Procurement Director, in a recent webinar. “And it was just a nightmare to try to paint a full picture of what we what we had, and so we knew very quickly that we had to change something.”
They decided to go out to bid for a new MSP and VMS, ensuring direct sourcing technology and services were central to their strategy. Their goal s was to find a single platform to house every single worker so they can begin to build talent pools to streamline communication, garner referrals, and easily redeploy and retain top talent. This holistic approach aimed to centralize worker data, boost talent engagement, and establish a scalable, efficient program.
Warner Brothers Discovery adopted a “big bang” rollout, launching these solutions simultaneously across regions. This comprehensive approach enabled rapid transformation, avoiding the inefficiencies of staggered implementation. The all-at-once strategy ensured an immediate alignment of technology and processes globally, faster ROI through coordinated efforts, and enhanced communication across teams and regions.
Today, Warner Brothers Discovery has direct access to candidates across skill sets (corporate, production, post-production and more) and worker categories (W2, 1099, and equivalents in other countries/regions). This enables them to build brand awareness with their various talent communities, something that was fragmented previously. “I think having one central program, a central provider and one source of truth in terms of the technologies is really going to put us in the best position
to be really agile, to pivot as needed,” added Kelly Martinko, the Senior Director for Global Flex Talent. “As we see new legislation, as we see trends in the market in terms of external talent, as we see independent contractor laws that are ever changing globally, this will help.”
They can also leverage known talent through direct sourcing and attract new talent to the brand through WorkLLama’s automated talent marketing, dynamic talent pools, and AI-driven referral engine. “Direct sourcing is something we’re really excited about, being able to build that out and have a flex talent site where we can create talent pools,” Martinko added.
The success of this transformation hinged on strategic partnerships. MSP and VMS providers, combined with WorkLLama’s direct sourcing platform, delivered tailored solutions, including:
- Access to cutting-edge tools and expertise.
- Seamless integration of systems.
- Shared goals focused on efficiency, scalability, and global consistency.
“We want to lock into some really long-term trusted partners and invest in those relationships at the end of the day,” Montag added. “These are long term relationships.”
With a unified system in place, Warner Brothers Discovery can now track and manage talent with greater efficiency. Their new platform streamlines communication, enhances talent engagement, and enables a more proactive workforce strategy. By aligning processes, leveraging partnerships, and embracing a bold rollout strategy, the company is setting a new standard for global workforce management.
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