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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