Choosing Between A Big and Small Consultancy as a Quantity Surveyor

At Maxim Recruitment, we recruit for consultancies of all sizes, from SMEs with just one office location to some of the big names at the top of the industry league table.  Candidates for quantity surveyor jobs often ask whether a large, big-name consultancy or a small specialist firm will better suit them and propel their career in cost consulting. The answer always depends on what you as a QS value most day-to-day and long-term.

Here we look at the pros and cons of big vs small client-side consultancies to help you decide your next move.

Working for a Small Consultancy

The Pros

• Varied, end-to-end responsibilities
  You’re more likely to take on a broader range of responsibilities, such as feasibility, procurement, cost planning, risk, client engagement, and project controls. In addition to variety making your job more enjoyable, this broad skillset makes you a more marketable candidate for the future. An example of this is our Senior Quantity Surveyor position in London, which is perfect for a candidate seeking to work independently as part of a small company.
  
  
• Direct access to decision-makers
  You’ll work closely with Associates and Directors, meaning your work is highly visible to key decision makers. And even before you join, for our Capital Allowance Surveyor job, expect the Managing Director to play a key role throughout the interview process. This also provides excellent commercial awareness, ideal for ambitious quantity surveyors early in their career.
  
  
• Faster progression based on impact
  With fewer layers, high performers can progress quickly. Title changes and pay reviews can be more agile when you’re demonstrably adding value.

The Cons

• Lean support infrastructure
  It is possible that there might be less extensive internal training, fewer proprietary tools, and less formalised work methodologies. You’ll often need to be self-directed on CPD (continuing professional development), although this is certainly not always the case. Some SME clients have offered over £10,000 worth of training and qualification support to suitable candidates we’ve worked with.
  
  
• Narrower benefits and resources
  Perks such as private medical, incentive trips, gym membership, or global mobility can be more limited. The company’s digital tools for managing projects, data, and costs may be less mature.
  
  
• Exposure to capacity risk
  A couple of delayed commissions can noticeably affect workload and utilisation. You may be closer to the commercial ups and downs.

Working for a Large Consultancy

The Pros

• Structured training and clear pathways
  Robust APC support, training programmes, and clear career frameworks make it easier to map your route from Cost Manager to Associate and beyond, such as the outstanding career progression offered in our Senior Cost Manager role, for candidates with pre & post contract experience in large commercial building.
  
  
• Blue-chip clients and flagship programmes
  Greater opportunities to advise programmes on a greater scale, such as multi-million-pound health, rail, high-rise, or aviation projects in the UK and internationally. These big schemes are not only interesting to work on, but they also look impressive on a CV, such as the exciting overseas infrastructure projects offered to our candidates with estimating experience.
  
  
• Geographical mobility and secondments
  In addition to greater exposure to international projects, larger, multinational firms are more likely to offer internal transfers, and international job postings, for those seeking future opportunities outside the UK. Furthermore, exciting overseas company retreats, and incentive trips are more commonly provided by big consultancies.

The Cons

• Role over-specialisation
  You may feel a lack of variety in your work, as cross-discipline exposure may be limited and early career specialisation may be greater.
  
  
• More layers, slower changes
  Governance brings quality, but approvals and promotions can be slower and more process-heavy.
  
  
• Visibility of impact can be diluted
  With large teams of top talent, your individual contribution may not stand out as much and you may feel overlooked.

Which Environment Fits You?

• Choose Small
  If you want breadth, senior client exposure early, and a hand in shaping the business. You’re comfortable with ambiguity and a lighter infrastructure.
  
  
• Choose Large
  If you want structured development, a greater likelihood of access to large projects, and the support of strong systems, data, and specialist teams. 

Conclusion

There’s no universal “best” choice for cost consulting careers. As a Quantity Surveyor, consider whether you want the breadth and visibility often found in smaller consultancies or scale, structure, and specialist resources often found in larger firms. The right environment is the one that aligns with your personality, preferred pace, and career goals.

At Maxim Recruitment, we partner with boutique client-side consultancies and major global firms across the UK and internationally. If you’d like tailored advice or to explore some of the live vacancies discussed above, or other opportunities that match your goals, get in touch and we’ll introduce you to the environments where you’ll thrive.

Hugh Duffield
Graduate Recruitment Consultant
Maxim Recruitment
LinkedIn

Hugh is a Graduate Recruitment Consultant based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK. Day-to-day responsibilities include researching, shortlisting, contacting, and interviewing premium construction industry candidates. Working with the UK team to help construction industry job seekers move into premium construction jobs with market-leading UK and international clients.