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Assistant Quantity Surveyor Review

at Balfour Beatty

Graduate Scheme

Surveying

Bradford

Review Submitted: October 2025

Overall Rating

4.9 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of the Role
4.8/5 - Experience & Company Culture
5/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
My experience at Balfour Beatty has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a tangible and fulfilling career path where the culture genuinely encourages you to thrive. The graduate scheme is exceptionally well-structured, focusing on both technical development and soft skills, which has accelerated my growth professionally and personally.
From day one, I’ve felt empowered to make a meaningful impact. What stands out most is the respect and support from colleagues with decades of industry experience—they truly value your input, regardless of your level. The remuneration is competitive, and the company offers a comprehensive benefits package that reflects its commitment to employee wellbeing.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
As a Quantity Surveyor, my role involves managing the commercial aspects of projects, including cost control, reporting, and contract administration. I’ve been entrusted with a high level of responsibility early on, particularly in project reporting and financial oversight, which has been both challenging and rewarding.
What I enjoy most is negotiating and agreeing changes with the client. It’s a dynamic part of the role that requires both technical understanding and strong communication skills. Administering the contract and navigating the change process is where I feel I add the most value—and it’s definitely the part I find most engaging.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
At Balfour Beatty, there’s a strong sense of teamwork driven by the shared goal of delivering complex and rewarding projects. Everyone is expected to contribute fully and support one another to ensure excellence across safety, commercial performance, quality, and operations.
I’ve consistently felt that my contributions are meaningful and valued. The collaborative environment means that individual efforts are recognised—not just on site, but also at regional and business levels. Celebrating each other’s successes is a core part of the culture, which makes being part of the team both motivating and fulfilling.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Balfour Beatty offers a strong and well-rounded compensation package that reflects the level of responsibility and contribution expected in the role. In addition to competitive pay, the benefits are extensive and genuinely supportive. These include access to a company car, private healthcare, professional fee support, counselling services, and financial advice, among others.
The breadth of these benefits shows a clear commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development, making the overall package feel both fair and rewarding.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I’d actually challenge the premise of this question—I’m not preparing for my future career, I’m actively living it. This role is a crucial stage in my professional journey, and I’m fully immersed in it. The exposure I’ve had at Balfour Beatty has been exceptional and, in my view, unmatched across the industry.
The responsibilities I’ve taken on and the achievements I’ve already earned—both in terms of project delivery and professional accreditations—demonstrate that I’m not just preparing for what’s next; I’m already making meaningful strides in my career.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
The development opportunities at Balfour Beatty have been outstanding. I achieved chartership with the RICS in under two years and became an NEC4 Accredited Project Manager within the same timeframe—milestones that are rarely matched across the industry. These formal achievements were made possible through the company’s proactive support and investment in my training.
Beyond formal qualifications, my day-to-day role has consistently challenged me with responsibilities well beyond the typical scope for my level. This exposure has accelerated my growth, pushed me to adapt quickly, and helped me build a strong foundation of skills. I’ve been recognised for this progression, which reinforces how effectively the role is shaping my career.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
5/5
The support I’ve received at Balfour Beatty has been exceptional. I’ve been fortunate to work with outstanding line managers who are deeply invested in both my development and wellbeing. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career so far.
Beyond direct management, there’s a strong support network across the business. Whether it’s technical advice, career guidance, or wellbeing support, I’ve always felt that help is available when needed.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
Work-life balance in construction is notoriously challenging, and that’s a reality I fully accept as part of the career. However, Balfour Beatty makes a genuine effort to manage this as best as possible. The company is proactive in supporting its people and recognises the demands of the industry.
This isn’t a criticism of my workplace—it’s simply the nature of construction.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The culture and behaviours at Balfour Beatty are the driving force behind everything we do. Across the organisation, there’s a strong emphasis on integrity, respect, and doing the right thing. These values aren’t just words—they’re actively championed and embedded in how we work and interact.
On site, the atmosphere has a real family feel. There’s plenty of humour, open conversations, and genuine connections between colleagues. It’s a supportive and inclusive environment where people look out for one another, and that makes a big difference in day-to-day life.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Balfour Beatty actively champions equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across all levels of the organisation. These initiatives are not only promoted but made genuinely accessible to everyone. We have regular discussion groups that create space for open dialogue and continuous improvement in these areas.
At the site level, we ensure inclusive facilities and support systems are in place, including prayer rooms, disabled access, and equal opportunities for all. The company’s commitment is clear and consistent, and it creates an environment where everyone feels respected and supported.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Balfour Beatty places a strong emphasis on Social Impact and Social Value, particularly through its involvement with the SCAPE framework. These principles are fully embedded in how we operate, influencing both project delivery and community engagement.
The company also leads the way in sustainability, with an industry-leading policy and ambitious Net Zero targets.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Balfour Beatty offers a truly rewarding and meaningful career, not just a stepping stone. From day one, you’re given real responsibility and the opportunity to make a tangible impact, with your voice respected—even by those with decades of experience.
The graduate scheme is exceptionally designed to develop both technical and soft skills, and the support from line managers and wider networks is outstanding. I’ve achieved major career milestones, including RICS chartership and NEC4 accreditation, in under two years thanks to the company’s commitment to development.
The culture is inclusive, respectful, and collaborative, with a family-like atmosphere on site. CSR, sustainability, and EDI initiatives are actively championed and embedded in how we work. While construction naturally comes with work-life balance challenges, Balfour Beatty does its best to support its people.
The compensation package is competitive, with excellent benefits including healthcare, company cars, and wellbeing support. If you’re confident, enthusiastic, and motivated to make a difference, Balfour Beatty is the place to thrive.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
I do what the role was described as.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Technical skills can be taught, but what truly makes a difference is having people who are confident, enthusiastic, and motivated to get involved and make an impact. Balfour Beatty values individuals who bring energy and ambition to the table.
Don’t shy away from expressing your goals—be clear about what you want to achieve and how you see yourself growing.
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