The builder
Has built an HR function or specialism from scratch. Knows how to get started when the systems and team aren't there yet.
HR recruitment · Founder-led · Europe
A new HR role. Who fits?
We help established businesses hire HR professionals for roles they haven't had before. Together, we work out what the role needs to achieve and find someone who can take it on.
Stage 02 · Brief
What do you need this person to do?
Before we look for candidates, we talk through why you need the role and what a good first year would look like.
01
What should be different a year after they join?
02
Which decisions will they need to make themselves?
03
How might their responsibilities grow with the business?
Stage 03 · Market
The right person may have a different title.
We look at what people have done and the businesses they've worked in. That helps us find candidates you might otherwise miss, and explain where each person fits or falls short.
The operator
Can advise leadership and still get involved in the everyday work that keeps an HR team running.
The translator
Can turn a business plan into practical HR work, even when teams in different countries need different approaches.
“Matteo was able to deliver great candidates and helpful insights on market and organisational approach.”
Global Senior Manager Talent & Reward, Arcese Group
Stage 05 · Working together
Work with Matteo, from brief to appointment.
I'm Matteo, MVRK's founder. I take on a small number of searches at a time so I can stay involved in each one. We'll work together on the brief, discuss the candidates, and talk through the difficult decisions.
Matteo Muscio Founder / MVRK
Stage 06 · Your next hire
Let's talk about the role.
You don't need a finished job description. Tell us why you're hiring and where you're unsure. We can take it from there.
Patterns from the search desk
Insight 4 May 2025
The Top 10 HR Trends for Established Businesses in 2025
Discover the biggest HR trends shaping 2025 for established businesses across the UK and Europe, from AI and talent strategy to pay transparency and hybrid work.
- 01 Economy
- 02 Innovation
- 03 Market Insights
Read article
Insight 1 May 2025
Don't Waste Your Shortlist
You paid to shortlist them, then forgot them. Re-engaging past candidates can cut time-to-hire in half and boost hiring quality. Here's how to do it ethically and effectively.
- 01 Market Insights
- 02 Recruitment
Read article
Insight 28 April 2025
Recruitment AI Automation; Use Cases in 2025
I've seen hiring from all sides. This post explores how AI can cut admin, boost efficiency, and let recruiters focus on what matters: people, not paperwork.
- 01 AI
- 02 Agentic
- 03 Automation
Read article
Frequently asked questions
What to expect when you work with us.
What does MVRK mean by HR search?
We research and approach HR professionals directly, including people who are not looking at job adverts. Our focus is mid-to-senior HR roles, often when a business is hiring for the position for the first time.
How does retained search differ from contingent recruitment?
In a retained search, you appoint one firm to lead the search and pay in agreed stages. Contingent recruitment charges a fee when a candidate is placed. We work on a retained basis, with responsibility for researching the market, approaching candidates, and helping you choose.
What is confidential search?
It means keeping the company name, the role, or both private at the start of the search. This can matter when replacing someone, during a transaction, or before a business is ready to announce a new role. We agree what can be shared, and when, before approaching candidates.
What HR roles does MVRK work on?
MVRK works on mid-management roles through to the level below CPO, including senior HR business partners, heads of talent acquisition, learning and development leaders, compensation and benefits leads, and HR directors for new regions or business units. MVRK does not handle CPO or CHRO searches.
Why choose MVRK for HR search?
We recruit exclusively for HR. Matteo leads each search himself and takes on a small number at a time, so you work with the same person from the brief through to the appointment.
What industries does MVRK serve?
We work across industries, including logistics, manufacturing, technology, financial services, and luxury retail. Our specialism is the HR role itself and how it needs to develop as the business changes.
What is MVRK's search process?
We start with what you need the person to do and how the role may develop. Then we research and approach relevant candidates discreetly. Each recommendation comes with a written explanation of why the person could fit. We stay involved through interviews and the appointment.
Where does MVRK operate?
Our main focus is Europe, with experience in the UK, France, Italy, the Nordics, Benelux, and the German-speaking markets. Our track record also includes selected international searches.