Graduate Business Manager Review

My experience at Balfour Beatty has been both challenging and rewarding. As a Graduate Business Manager in ATS, I’ve had the chance to work on real operational and commercial tasks from the outset, gaining valuable insight into plant hire and site logistics.
The graduate scheme is well-structured, with strong support from managers and colleagues who are genuinely invested in your development. I’ve been encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas, and grow professionally in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.
Overall, it’s a great place to start a career if you’re looking for hands-on experience, responsibility, and opportunities to make a real impact.

In my role, I’ve been involved in project management and delivery across plant hire operations, supporting digital transformation initiatives and improving business processes. A key part of the role is collaborating with teams across the business, including placements in other departments, which has helped me build a broader understanding of how the company operates.
What I enjoy most is the variety – no two days are the same. I particularly value the opportunity to lead on projects, work with different stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful improvements in how we manage assets and deliver services.

My role involves managing and delivering operational projects, supporting digital transformation, and collaborating across teams to improve plant hire processes. I’ve also had placements in other business areas, which helped broaden my understanding of the wider organisation.
One aspect I particularly enjoy is leading projects that drive real change, while working closely with different teams. Regular PDRs have been a valuable part of the experience, providing structured feedback and helping me track progress and development effectively.

The compensation package at Balfour Beatty is competitive and reflects the responsibilities of the role well. It includes a strong pension scheme, stock options, and access to a wide range of discounts from dental care to retail shopping. There are monthly recognition awards, and some roles offer a company car.
Flexible working is supported, and the expensing system is straightforward and efficient. One of the standout benefits is the support for professional development, including paid schemes for chartership and other qualifications, which really helps with long-term career growth.

The graduate role has been an excellent stepping stone for my long-term career goals. It’s helped me build a strong foundation for chartership through structured development, regular feedback sessions, and access to experienced mentors across the business. I’ve had the opportunity to work across different areas through placements, which has broadened my understanding of how the business operates and how different teams contribute to project delivery.
The exposure to project management, digital transformation, and cross-functional collaboration has equipped me with practical skills and confidence. I feel well-supported and encouraged to take ownership of my development, which is key to progressing in a career in business operations and leadership.

The support I’ve received throughout the graduate scheme has been really positive. My line manager has been consistently approachable and proactive, with regular PDRs and feedback sessions that have helped guide my development. I’ve also benefited from having mentors across the business who’ve offered valuable insights and advice.
Recently, I’ve taken on the role of a buddy for a new graduate, which has been a great experience. When I first joined, the buddy scheme wasn’t in place, and having that kind of support early on would have made onboarding smoother—so it’s great to see the programme evolving.
Overall, the culture is supportive and focused on helping graduates grow both professionally and personally.

My work-life balance at Balfour Beatty has been very positive. The company promotes flexible working, which has allowed me to manage my time effectively and maintain a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. The nature of the role can be fast-paced, but the flexibility and support from the team make it manageable and sustainable.
Overall, I’ve found the culture to be understanding and adaptable, which has made a big difference in feeling supported throughout the graduate scheme.

The culture at Balfour Beatty is very positive, inclusive, and approachable. Coming into the industry as a newcomer, I felt supported from the start—asking questions was always encouraged, and colleagues were understanding and willing to help. There’s a strong focus on respect and inclusion, with regular sessions on topics like “Right to Respect” and other internal initiatives that promote a welcoming environment.
Hybrid working is also supported in many roles, which has been particularly helpful for me given my longer commute. The flexibility has made a real difference in maintaining a good work-life balance while staying engaged and productive.
Overall, the atmosphere is collaborative and forward-thinking, making it a great place to grow professionally.

Balfour Beatty places a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and this is reflected in both its culture and formal initiatives. The company runs regular sessions such as Right to Respect, which promote inclusive behaviours and open dialogue around respect in the workplace. These sessions, along with other internal campaigns, help foster a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute.
As someone new to the industry, I found the environment very approachable and supportive—asking questions and learning from others has always been encouraged. The business is also proactive in adapting to individual needs, with flexible and hybrid working options available in many roles. This has been particularly beneficial for me, given my longer commute.
Overall, Balfour Beatty is committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, and I’ve seen those values actively upheld throughout my time here.

Yes

Yes, I would definitely recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend—especially someone looking to start their career in a supportive and structured environment. The graduate scheme offers real responsibility, strong mentorship, and opportunities to learn across different areas of the business. The culture is inclusive and approachable, and there’s a genuine focus on development, wellbeing, and flexibility.

The role has largely matched my expectations based on the recruitment process. The job description was clear and gave a good overview of the responsibilities and opportunities within the graduate scheme. As I’ve progressed, I’ve found that the role continues to evolve—offering more responsibility and exposure to different areas of the business, which aligns well with my development goals.
There’s always room for improvement in how roles are communicated, but overall, the experience has been consistent with what was outlined during recruitment, and I’ve felt well-supported in growing into the position.