Inhouse Consulting: Why Do Companies Build It?

Over the past two decades, Inhouse Consulting has emerged as a strategic capability for many corporations — and an attractive exit path for consultants seeking to move in-house. But why are companies building these teams in the first place?

Daniel Cremer

6/23/20251 min read

To kick off a new series on the rise of Inhouse Consulting, I asked:
What’s the primary reason companies set up Inhouse Consulting units?

Poll Results (94 votes):

  • 33% – Reducing cost

  • 33% – Industry/company knowledge

  • 23% – Talent development & retention

  • 11% – Smoother implementation

These results reflect a split view between financial efficiency and strategic alignment — suggesting that inhouse consulting is no longer just about saving on external fees.

🔍 A few observations:

  • 💰 Cost savings still matter — especially when companies aim to reduce reliance on expensive external firms.

  • 🧠 Insider knowledge is equally critical. Inhouse teams bring not just consulting skillsets, but also deep familiarity with the business, culture, and politics — something external firms can rarely match.

  • 🚀 Talent development is increasingly a driver. Inhouse consulting offers a rotational stepping stone for future leaders.

  • ⚙️ Execution and ownership remain underrated — but powerful. Having internal teams drive initiatives often boosts speed and commitment.

🌍 A German Trend (That’s Spreading)

Germany, in particular, has been a leader in building sophisticated Inhouse Consulting units — across automotive, pharma, tech, and beyond. But we're now seeing more international corporations follow suit, particularly as consulting costs rise and internal capabilities mature.

💬 What’s your take?

  • Have you worked in or with an Inhouse Consulting team?

  • What worked well — and what didn’t?

  • Should more firms be investing in these internal units?

Let’s explore this together. More insights coming soon.

At A-GAME | Executive Search, we work with both consultancies and corporates to find top-tier talent — including professionals transitioning from traditional consulting into strategic inhouse roles.

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