Operational Planner Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Job
Project Management
Derby
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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
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Overview of the Role
5/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
A family feel that promotes togetherness and inclusivity across all employees, with many opportunities for personal and professional development. The Early Careers Programme and Brathay experience has been spectacular and I feel extremely fortunate.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My day to day role involves collaborating with the wider project team to develop, maintain and update the P6 Programme, ensuring actual progress is accurately reflected against the planned programme. This involves understanding engineering drawings, the project scope of works and key requirements, and translating these into a structured programme of activities, durations, and dependencies. I also use Earned Value Management as a tool to monitor progress and identify any issue. I really enjoy the versatility of being a planner because it allows me to gain exposure to different engineering disciplines and project management, while using an analytical approach to understand the programme and tell the story of the project.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
From the very start of my graduate role I was welcomed into the wider planning team, with members eager to meet and introduce themselves. I was provided with the materials that supported my transition into the role, and felt listened to by seniors, putting me situation to help accelerate my progression and gain the exposure I was keen be part of.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Excellent
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I feel in the past year, I have gained meaningful experience and look forward to my continued development.
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 training provided is excellent and key to support further development, etc Planning 4 success and contracting 4 success are courses offered I really enjoyed.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Brilliant, was provided with the materials to support my transition into the role.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
Great, being challenged on a daily basis but also very much have the support of my peers.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Excellent, togetherness and supportive, allows the opportunity to work hybrid providing flexibility, wider spread collaboration via teams, Great atmosphere.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Brilliant, culturally a very diverse workforce, with groups to support various communities, and willingness to help and include everyone no matter of ethnicity and sexual orientation.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Excellent
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
For me, it's the support, both professionally and personally. There's a real family feel while still maintaining a professional environment, and the focus on sustainability is something that aligns with my own values.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
Excellent, I understand the role but has been more complex and broader than I initially expected so has been challenging and thought provoking
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Be honest, be yourself, treat the interview as any other discussion, show you interest into the role your applying for and why you think you will do well in the role your applying for.
