Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Human Resources (HR) Consulting
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Human Resources (HR) Consulting Global Overview
Definition
Summary
This report is intended to assist buyers of human resources (HR) consulting services. HR consultants advise and assist buyers with a variety of organizational matters, including human resource and personnel policies, employee benefits planning, compensation systems planning, wage and salary administration, recruitment and retention. Key buyers of these services include professional service firms, manufacturers, retailers and government agencies.
This Report Includes:
- Human Resource & Personnel Policies
- Employee Benefits Planning
- Compensation Systems Planning
- Wage & Salary Administration
- Recruitment & Retention
Not in this Report:
- Management Consulting
- Management Development Training
- Outplacement Services
Global Human Resources (HR) Consulting Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Human Resources (HR) Consulting market.
Warning Trends
United States announces additional tariffs on China
- In February 2025, the United States announced 10.0% tariffs on imports from China. The tariffs took effect on February 4, 2025.
- The tariff plan applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties and fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- In response, China announced a 15.0% tariff on products such as coal and natural gas, as well as a 10.0% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks, and large cars. The tariff executive orders indicate retaliatory tariffs could lead to further escalation in rates.
- Providers in this market rely on inputs often sourced from China. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
United States postpones plans for sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico
- In February 2025, the United States announced 25.0% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.
- Though initially set to take effect on February 4, 2025, the implementation of tariffs on Canada and Mexico has been postponed 30 days to allow for further negotiation.
- The tariff plan initially proposed by the US applies to all merchandise imported for consumption and applies in addition to other duties or fees that are in place, with limited exceptions.
- Providers in this market rely on input costs often sourced from an affected country. As such, ProcurementIQ will continue to monitor developments in this space and update analysis accordingly.
Neutral
GSA memo asks agencies to review consulting contracts
- The General Services Administration (GSA) recently issued a memorandum asking government agencies to review their consulting contracts with the ten highest-paid firms. The ten firms are Accenture PLC (Accenture Federal Services), Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., CGI Group Inc. (CGI Federal), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte Consulting), General Dynamics Corporation (General Dynamics IT), Guidehouse Inc., Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (HII Mission Technologies), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Leidos Holdings, Inc., and Science Applications International Corporation, Inc. (SAIC).
- The memo states that agencies are strongly encouraged to cut non-essential consulting contracts, providing a list of those intended to be terminated by March 7, 2025. By April 19, 2025, agencies must submit their reviews of non-GSA consulting service contracts.
- According to the GSA, the ten consulting firms identified are set to receive $65.0 billion in fees in 2025. The Department of Defense (DoD) has stated its intention to terminate or descope contracts non-essential to the DoD’s purposes; some of the largest market players with high-value DoD contracts include Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Accenture.
- According to the Government Accountability Office, in the fiscal year 2023, government agencies spent $478.0 billion on services, with the DoD accounting for $230.0 billion and non-defense agencies accounting for the rest. The DoD spent $21.3 billion on support, professional, and engineering and technical services, while non-defense agencies spent $21.4 billion on professional services, which includes consulting, training, and support services.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initially cancelled 875 contracts (amounting to around $2.0 billion) but has currently paused efforts. However, contract terminations across most agencies are expected to continue.
Global Human Resources (HR) Consulting Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 China | 89,130 |
| #2 Europe | 82,500 |
| #3 United States | 63,350 |
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2
Geography Drilldown - US, Canada & Europe
Average Cost of Human Resources (HR) Consulting
United States
2026 Market Pricing$50.00 to $XXX.XX
per hourCanada
Europe
Average Price
Prices in the Human Resources (HR) Consulting market range from $50.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Project Scope, Consultant Level and Vendor Reputation. For example, lower prices are associated with Implementing standard performance management systems and Projects with locally or regionally distributed workforces, whereas higher prices are associated with Developing and implementing a global HR strategy for multinational corporations and Projects with globally distributed workforces.
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Human Resources (HR) Consulting Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Human Resources (HR) Consulting market, prices in the US have grown 1.9% from 2022 to 2025. and +0.6% in Europe.
United States (2022-2025)
Canada (2017-2020)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Europe (2022-2025)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Wondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Human Resources (HR) Consulting
Total cost of ownership is Medium in the Human Resources (HR) Consulting market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Cancellations may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Customization
Billed During
Upgrades
Unforeseen
Cancellations
Scope Changes
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -1.4 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Market Share Concentration. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Canada
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Low, which has a positive impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Computer & Software Wholesalers
- Commercial Real Estate Leasing Firms
- Office Stationary Manufacturers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Computer manufacturers
- Software publishers
- Real Estate Sales and Brokerage Firms
- Law Firms
Biggest Human Resources (HR) Consulting Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Human Resources (HR) Consulting vendors by revenue in the US are RSM US LLP, Aon Plc and Bain & Company, Inc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aon Plc | DUBLIN 2 | >10,000 | 10-15 | |||||
| Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu | Global | London, UK | >10,000 | 5-10 | ||||
| Accenture Plc | International | DUBLIN | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Marsh & Mclennan Companies, Inc. | Global | NEW YORK, NY | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Bain & Company, Inc. | Global | Boston, MA | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| McKinsey & Company | Global | New York, NY | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| The Boston Consulting Group | Global | Boston, MA | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| RSM US LLP | Global | Chicago, IL | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| EY | Global | London, UK | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Human Resources (HR) Consulting market is 9.3% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Wages. The cost trend for this component is falling, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
For HR consulting services, the risk of input price shocks or service discontinuity due to supply chain issues is low, aiding buyer power. Suppliers in this market do not depend on the regular purchase of critical physical inputs that could threaten the continuity of their operations.
Buyers benefit from a low level of concentration in the market. While several large consulting firms have notable market shares, the overall market is highly fragmented with many small vendors, which boosts competition among suppliers.
Supply chain risk in this market is low because suppliers do not regularly purchase any critical physical inputs to provide HR consulting services. Suppliers are unlikely to be affected by tariffs, manufacturing disruptions, or input price spikes that are typically associated with physical supply chain inputs.
The United States is a net importer of computers, meaning it imports more computers than it exports. While lower manufacturing costs abroad drive down prices for imported computers, relying on imports can lead to potential shortages or price increases if there are supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, or global crises.
Supplier Information
Aon Plc
Aon plc is engaged in the marketing and servicing of a range of management and financial services spanning risk managementm insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resource consulting and outsourcing. Its business is divided into two segments: Risk Solutions (risk management through insurance advisory,... Subscribe to learn more
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a private company operating globally in the mining, finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services, administration, business support and waste management services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services,... Subscribe to learn more
Accenture Plc
Accenture Plc is a public company operating internationally in the mining, information, professional, scientific and technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include mobile enterprise application platforms, claims management software,... Subscribe to learn more
Bain & Company, Inc.
Bain & Company, Inc. is a private company operating globally in the mining and professional, scientific & technical services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services, management consulting services, environmental, social & governance (esg) consulting services, supplier Subscribe to learn more
EY
EY is a private company operating globally in the mining, finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services, management consulting services, environmental,... Subscribe to learn more
KPMG International Limited
KPMG International Limited is a private company operating globally in the mining, finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services, management consulting... Subscribe to learn more
Marsh & Mclennan Companies, Inc.
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. is an insurance and advisory services provider to commercial and consumer clients. It organizes its products into two segments: the Risk and Insurance Services segment, which delivers risk management activities, insurance, and reinsurance broking and services, and the Consulting... Subscribe to learn more
McKinsey & Company
McKinsey & Company is a private company operating globally in the mining and professional, scientific & technical services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services, carbon management services, management consulting services, environmental, social & governance (esg) consulting... Subscribe to learn more
Pricewaterhousecoopers Llp
Pricewaterhousecoopers Llp is a private company operating globally in the finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services, administration, business support and waste management services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include management consulting services, environmental,... Subscribe to learn more
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Procurement Management KPIs for the Human Resources (HR) Consulting Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Average Resolution Time and Employee Training Rate. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Communication & Response Time and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Resolution Time |
|
Average length of time between the start of a project and the completion of the project |
The average resolution time in the HR consulting market refers to the amount of time it takes to complete a project. It is important for vendors to complete projects in a timely manner to avoid cost overruns, particularly under the time and materials pricing model. |
| Employee Training Rate |
|
Percentage of employees passing certifications or tests |
Vendors that are proactively training employees will be able to adapt to future issues. |
|
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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Qualifications
What professional experience do the consultants assigned to this project have?
Which companies have you worked with in the past? Can I contact them?
Competition
How do you win and retain business?
What is your reputation among your peers?
Technology
Do you use any proprietary software or technology?
What are the advantages of using your software as opposed to internal systems?
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Human Resources (HR) Consulting RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should include a point of contact for RFP-related questions.
Buyers should provide a brief summary of the services being requested.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should provide a list of any additional services requested from the supplier.
Buyers should outline their requirements regarding vendor experience and credentials, including industry expertise.
Project Budget
Buyers should list payment schedules.
Buyers should request detailed cost breakdowns for the services requested.
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We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
