The Best Option for Project Success

When organizations kick off a major IT project — whether it’s an ERP implementation, eCommerce platform launch, or digital transformation — one of the first decisions is who will lead the effort. Many companies default to hiring a full-time W2 employee. But there’s a smarter, more flexible option: engaging a corporate-to-corporate (C2C) partner to provide project management expertise.

At Nivellum, we’ve seen firsthand how a C2C engagement delivers more value, faster, and with less risk than an internal W2 hire. Here’s why.

Cost Efficiency & Flexibility

Hiring a full-time employee comes with hidden costs — benefits, payroll taxes, PTO, training, and 401(k) matching — on top of salary. With a C2C contract, you only pay for services delivered. Even better, you can scale hours up or down depending on the project phase, ensuring your spend aligns directly with your needs.

Speed to Value

Recruiting, hiring, and onboarding a W2 project manager can take months. With C2C, you get immediate readiness — a project manager who can step in, integrate quickly, and start delivering results from day one.

Proven Expertise

A W2 hire often brings experience from a single company. A C2C partner brings cross-industry expertise from multiple projects and platforms. At Nivellum, we’ve led complex initiatives across BigCommerce, NetSuite, Adobe Experience Manager, and more — and we bring tested playbooks, frameworks, and accelerators to every engagement.

Risk Mitigation

Employment comes with risks: a bad hire, turnover, or underperformance can stall critical initiatives. With C2C, accountability is built into the contract. If performance isn’t there, the agreement can be adjusted. That makes C2C inherently lower-risk for organizations.

Objectivity & Executive-Level Influence

Internal employees can get caught in organizational politics. An external project manager operates with neutral alignment, focused solely on delivery and business value. This also strengthens credibility with third-party vendors, who recognize experienced external PMs as delivery peers — making it easier to hold them accountable.

Strategic Partnership Beyond One Project

When the project ends, a W2 hire may not always have a clear long-term fit. A C2C partner, on the other hand, can continue advising across initiatives, transferring knowledge, and helping build delivery maturity within your team.

The Bottom Line

A C2C project management engagement gives you:

  • Lower costs with greater flexibility
  • Faster project ramp-up and delivery
  • Broader expertise and proven frameworks
  • Reduced risk and stronger accountability
  • An objective, executive-level perspective
  • A partner invested in your long-term success

Ready to de-risk your next IT initiative?
At Nivellum, we help organizations like yours deliver complex programs with confidence. Reach out today to explore how a C2C partnership can accelerate your success.