How to Navigate Counteroffers in Built Form and Infrastructure - Should you Stay or Go?

You’ve just handed in your resignation, ready for your next career move, when your employer suddenly makes a counteroffer. More money, a promotion, or promises that things will change. It’s tempting—but is it the right move for your career in the built form and infrastructure sectors?

At EPC Consulting, we work with technical professionals, engineers, and project leaders who face this decision all the time. While a counteroffer might feel like a win in the moment, the reality is that most candidates who accept one end up leaving within 6 to 12 months anyway.

Before making your decision, take a step back. Does this counteroffer actually address the reasons you wanted to leave, or is it just a short-term fix? Let’s break it down.

1. Why Do Employers in Built Form & Infrastructure Make Counteroffers?

When an employer offers you more money or a new title to stay, it’s rarely about you—it’s often a business decision based on project demands, talent shortages, or cost-saving measures.

Project Continuity Is Critical – With major infrastructure and built environment projects on strict deadlines, losing a key team member can cause disruptions. Employers may counteroffer simply to avoid delays.

Replacing You is Expensive and Time-Consuming – Finding, onboarding, and training someone in a specialist role takes time—often longer than keeping an existing employee with a salary bump.

They Didn’t Recognise Your Value—Until Now – If they only acknowledged your worth when you resigned, what does that say about their long-term investment in your career?

It’s a Short-Term Fix, Not a Long-Term Plan – Many counteroffers are made just to buy time while they find your replacement.

While it might feel good to be wanted, ask yourself: If I was truly valued, why did it take my resignation for my employer to act?

2. Evaluating the Counteroffer – What’s Really Changing?

A counteroffer might come with a salary bump or a promotion—but does it actually solve the reason you wanted to leave in the first place?

Ask yourself: Were my concerns about career growth, work-life balance, or company culture actually addressed? Would I have received this raise or promotion if I hadn’t resigned? Will staying put help me reach my long-term career goals?

If your concerns were about: Salary – Have they been underpaying you all along? Career Growth – Have they really created new opportunities, or is this just a short-term incentive? Project Scope or Leadership Support – Have they truly committed to change, or is this just a reactive decision?

EPC Tip: If nothing fundamental is changing except the money, you’re likely to end up job searching again in a few months—this time with a damaged reputation in both companies.

3. The Risks of Accepting a Counteroffer in Built Form & Infrastructure

Your Role Might Be Replaced Anyway – Many companies will counteroffer simply to retain staff until they find a replacement.

Your Reputation and Trust Are on the Line – Your employer now knows you were ready to leave. Will they invest in your future, or will you be the first to go in the next restructure?

Company Culture Won’t Change Overnight – If you were frustrated before, is it realistic to expect the environment to improve just because you stayed?

80% of Employees Who Accept a Counteroffer Leave Within a Year – The reality is, counteroffers rarely solve long-term career concerns.

EPC Tip: If your frustrations led you to look elsewhere, don’t let short-term incentives cloud your long-term career decisions.

4. Making the Right Decision for Your Career in Built Form & Infrastructure

When faced with a counteroffer, take a step back and make an informed decision. Your career is bigger than one job.

Look at the Big Picture – Does this align with your long-term goals? Compare Both Offers – Which role offers stronger career progression, skills development, and leadership support? Seek Industry Insights – Speak with a recruiter who understands the built form & infrastructure

EPC Tip: Fear of change should never be the reason you stay in a role. The best career moves happen when you step outside your comfort zone.

5. How EPC Consulting Supports You Through the Process

At EPC Consulting, we don’t just find roles—we help candidates make informed career decisions that align with their professional and personal goals.

We Understand Your Industry – We specialise in built form & infrastructure, so we know the market inside and out. We Help You See the Bigger Picture – We provide honest, objective advice on how a counteroffer compares to external opportunities. We Find Opportunities That Offer Real Growth – Our search assignments focus on roles that align with your long-term career success.

If you’re facing a counteroffer decision, let’s have a conversation. No pressure—just honest, industry-focused advice to help you make the right move.