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Higherin

Quantity Surveyor Review

at Balfour Beatty

Graduate Scheme

Construction

Warrington, Cheshire

Review Submitted: November 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!

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

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
Overall, my experience at Balfour Beatty has been constructive and challenging in a positive way. As someone still early in my career, I’ve sometimes felt the pressure that comes with learning on the job, but the exposure I’ve gained has been valuable. The team is approachable, and I’ve been able to build both technical skills and confidence through real responsibilities. Being introduced to complex projects early has pushed me to learn fast. I’ve learned a lot in a short time and had good support from the team on projects.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Cost Management & Commercial Oversight – Preparing and reviewing Applications for Payment (AFPs), checking timesheets and staff costs, monitoring project budgets, and ensuring accurate certification of work completed.
Subcontractor Management – Reviewing subcontractor quotes, raising and managing subcontract orders, and ensuring accurate alignment of invoices and payments with approved works and project schedules.
Problem-Solving & Issue Resolution – Identifying inconsistencies or gaps in commercial documentation and collaborating with colleagues to resolve issues efficiently.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
My role gives me a real chance to contribute to the team in a practical way. By handling AFPs, checking timesheets, and managing subcontractor invoices, I’m directly involved in keeping projects running smoothly and on budget. It feels good knowing that the work I do makes a difference and that the team relies on me to keep things moving. I also value the support from my colleagues—it makes it easier to raise issues, suggest improvements, and feel that my contributions are noticed.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Overall, I feel my compensation package is very good for a graduate. My salary, along with benefits like the company car, pension contributions, and training opportunities, provides strong support as I continue to develop in my role. It reflects the responsibilities I’m trusted with and the contribution I make to the team, while also giving me room to grow professionally.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
feel my role is preparing me very well for my future career. I’m gaining hands-on experience with key commercial responsibilities, such as preparing AFPs, managing subcontractor orders, verifying project costs, and directly reporting end-of-month figures to the director. The exposure I’m getting here is different from what I might have experienced at another company, giving me a broad and practical understanding of project management and commercial processes. Working closely with experienced colleagues is helping me build both technical skills and confidence, providing a strong foundation for my career progression.
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
I would rate it highly. My day-to-day role is giving me practical, hands-on experience with a wide range of commercial tasks, such as preparing AFPs, managing subcontractor orders, verifying costs, and reporting end-of-month figures to the director. At the same time, the formal training and guidance I’ve received from colleagues and internal resources complement this experience, helping me develop both existing skills and new ones. The combination of on-the-job learning and structured support has been really valuable in building my confidence and competence in the role.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
5/5
The support I receive is excellent. Even though the team is incredibly busy, people always seem to find or make time to help me when I need it. I feel I can approach colleagues with questions and get the advice I need. This makes it much easier to learn, build confidence, and feel valued as part of the team.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
I feel my work-life balance is very good. Although the role is busy and there are lots of responsibilities, I’m encouraged to log off once I’ve completed my hours, and I’m not worried about work outside of this time. The team actively supports this mindset, which makes it much easier to manage my workload while maintaining personal time.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The organisational culture is very professional yet laid-back and relaxed. There’s no unnecessary pressure, and as long as you perform your role effectively, it’s a very rewarding and enjoyable workplace. The balance of professionalism with a supportive, friendly atmosphere makes it easy to contribute, learn, and feel valued as part of the team.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
I would rate Balfour Beatty’s initiatives in equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility very positively. There is a strong sense that everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or walk of life. The culture feels inclusive and supportive, and it’s clear that all colleagues are treated fairly and given the opportunity to contribute and develop.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
I would rate Balfour Beatty’s CSR initiatives positively. The company clearly demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact on the communities it works in and the wider environment. From sustainability efforts to community engagement projects, it’s evident that social responsibility is taken seriously and is integrated into the company’s values and operations.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It feels like you’re more than just another employee—the business genuinely looks after you in many ways. The company is welcoming, friendly, and very professional, offering flexibility, global opportunities, rewarding pay and benefits, challenging work, and a supportive team. Overall, it’s clear that Balfour Beatty has a lot to offer, making it a fulfilling place to grow, develop, and feel valued.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
The role exceeded my expectations. I anticipated a very good experience based on Balfour Beatty’s reputation, and it has been even better than I imagined. From the responsibilities I’ve been trusted with to the supportive, professional, and friendly team environment, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by just how rewarding and engaging the role has been.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
My advice to others applying to Balfour Beatty would be to be proactive and open-minded. The recruitment and onboarding process is very well-structured and far more comforting than many other places I interviewed with. Showing enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and engaging with the team during onboarding will help you make the most of the experience and settle in quickly.
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