Graduate Business Manager Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Scheme
Business Management, Business Operations, Construction, Data Analysis, Finance, Front-end Development, Information Technology, Logistics and Operations, Procurement, Project Management, Supply Chain Management
Thurnscoe
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
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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?
I've had a positive experience working at Balfour Beatty, with opportunities to collaborate across operational, commercial, and supply chain teams on major infrastructure projects. The business provides a strong focus on safety, continuous improvement, and professional development, while also encouraging employees to take ownership and drive positive change. It's a fast-paced environment that offers exposure to complex projects and the chance to work with knowledgeable colleagues across the industry.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
For my role as a Business Manager, I am responsible for managing commercial and operational performance, driving supply chain improvements, analyzing cost and supplier data, and supporting the delivery of major infrastructure projects. A key part of the role is working with internal teams and external suppliers to identify efficiencies, improve processes, and ensure commercial objectives are met.
The aspect I enjoy most is the variety of the work. No two days are the same, and I enjoy using data and commercial insight to solve problems, improve performance, and influence business decisions. I also value the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and supply chain partners to deliver practical improvements that create value for both the business and our customers.
The aspect I enjoy most is the variety of the work. No two days are the same, and I enjoy using data and commercial insight to solve problems, improve performance, and influence business decisions. I also value the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and supply chain partners to deliver practical improvements that create value for both the business and our customers.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I feel my role provides a strong opportunity to contribute meaningfully and make a visible impact on the business. The work I do helps support commercial decision-making, improve operational performance, and strengthen supply chain relationships, allowing me to see the outcomes of my efforts in practice.
I feel valued by my team because there is a collaborative culture where ideas and feedback are encouraged, and individuals are trusted to take ownership of key initiatives. The opportunity to work closely with colleagues across different functions and contribute to business improvements makes the role both rewarding and engaging.
I feel valued by my team because there is a collaborative culture where ideas and feedback are encouraged, and individuals are trusted to take ownership of key initiatives. The opportunity to work closely with colleagues across different functions and contribute to business improvements makes the role both rewarding and engaging.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
For the level of responsibility and impact my role has, I feel the compensation package is fair and competitive. In addition to salary, the benefits package provides valuable support through areas such as pension contributions, annual leave, wellbeing initiatives, and employee discounts.
What I appreciate most is the overall package rather than just the salary, as it reflects the company's investment in its employees. While there is always room for progression and increased rewards as responsibilities grow, I feel the package provides a good balance of financial reward, benefits, and long-term career opportunities.
What I appreciate most is the overall package rather than just the salary, as it reflects the company's investment in its employees. While there is always room for progression and increased rewards as responsibilities grow, I feel the package provides a good balance of financial reward, benefits, and long-term career opportunities.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
My role is providing excellent preparation for my future career by giving me exposure to both the commercial and operational sides of the business. I regularly work with data analysis, supply chain management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic decision-making, which are all valuable skills that can be applied across a wide range of leadership and management roles.
What makes the role particularly beneficial is the opportunity to work with people at all levels of the organisation, influence business improvements, and take ownership of important initiatives. This combination of technical, commercial, and leadership experience is helping me build a well-rounded skill set and giving me confidence to take on greater responsibilities in the future.
What makes the role particularly beneficial is the opportunity to work with people at all levels of the organisation, influence business improvements, and take ownership of important initiatives. This combination of technical, commercial, and leadership experience is helping me build a well-rounded skill set and giving me confidence to take on greater responsibilities in the future.
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 the opportunities for development highly, as I have been able to build both new and existing skills through a combination of formal training and practical experience in my day-to-day role. Alongside internal training programmes at Balfour Beatty, I have also been supported in working towards my CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) development, which has helped broaden my industry knowledge and professional capabilities.
The role itself provides continuous learning opportunities through involvement in commercial analysis, supply chain management, stakeholder engagement, and business improvement initiatives. Combining formal development with hands-on experience has allowed me to continually expand my skills and confidence while preparing for future career progression.
The role itself provides continuous learning opportunities through involvement in commercial analysis, supply chain management, stakeholder engagement, and business improvement initiatives. Combining formal development with hands-on experience has allowed me to continually expand my skills and confidence while preparing for future career progression.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
I have received excellent support throughout my time at Balfour Beatty, particularly through the guidance of my mentor. Having access to an experienced mentor has provided valuable advice, challenged me to think differently, and helped me navigate both professional and personal development opportunities.
Alongside mentor support, colleagues and managers are approachable and willing to share their knowledge, creating a collaborative environment where learning is encouraged. This support network has given me the confidence to take on new challenges, develop my skills, and progress towards my career goals.
Alongside mentor support, colleagues and managers are approachable and willing to share their knowledge, creating a collaborative environment where learning is encouraged. This support network has given me the confidence to take on new challenges, develop my skills, and progress towards my career goals.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
I feel I have a very good work-life balance in my role. The flexibility to work from home when appropriate and manage my time effectively helps me balance work commitments with my personal life. This flexibility allows me to remain productive while maintaining a healthy balance outside of work.
Balfour Beatty promotes a flexible approach to working, and I feel trusted to manage my responsibilities while delivering results. This level of flexibility has had a positive impact on both my wellbeing and job satisfaction, enabling me to perform at my best both professionally and personally.
Balfour Beatty promotes a flexible approach to working, and I feel trusted to manage my responsibilities while delivering results. This level of flexibility has had a positive impact on both my wellbeing and job satisfaction, enabling me to perform at my best both professionally and personally.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The organisational culture at Balfour Beatty is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive, with a strong focus on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. People are encouraged to share ideas, work together across teams, and take ownership of their development, creating a positive environment where individuals can contribute and grow.
The atmosphere is professional but approachable, with colleagues and managers willing to offer support and share knowledge. The company also embraces flexible and hybrid working, providing opportunities to work from home where appropriate while maintaining strong team connections and collaboration. This balance of flexibility, trust, and teamwork helps create a positive working environment and supports a healthy work-life balance.
The atmosphere is professional but approachable, with colleagues and managers willing to offer support and share knowledge. The company also embraces flexible and hybrid working, providing opportunities to work from home where appropriate while maintaining strong team connections and collaboration. This balance of flexibility, trust, and teamwork helps create a positive working environment and supports a healthy work-life balance.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
I would rate Balfour Beatty's commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility highly. The company actively promotes an inclusive culture where people from different backgrounds are welcomed, respected, and encouraged to contribute. There is a genuine focus on creating opportunities for everyone to develop and succeed, regardless of their background or personal circumstances.
Through company initiatives, employee networks, training, and awareness campaigns, equality and inclusion are regularly reinforced across the business. Combined with flexible and hybrid working options, this helps create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. Overall, I believe Balfour Beatty is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and continues to make positive progress in this area.
Through company initiatives, employee networks, training, and awareness campaigns, equality and inclusion are regularly reinforced across the business. Combined with flexible and hybrid working options, this helps create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and able to bring their authentic selves to work. Overall, I believe Balfour Beatty is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and continues to make positive progress in this area.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
I would rate Balfour Beatty's CSR initiatives highly. The company demonstrates a genuine commitment to making a positive impact through its focus on community engagement, environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and support for local initiatives.
What stands out most is the encouragement given to employees to get involved in volunteering, fundraising, and community-focused activities, helping create a culture where people can contribute beyond their day-to-day roles. The company's focus on sustainability, social value, and supporting the communities in which it operates reinforces the sense that Balfour Beatty is committed to leaving a positive legacy through its projects and wider business activities. Overall, these initiatives make employees feel part of an organisation that values responsible business and making a meaningful difference.
What stands out most is the encouragement given to employees to get involved in volunteering, fundraising, and community-focused activities, helping create a culture where people can contribute beyond their day-to-day roles. The company's focus on sustainability, social value, and supporting the communities in which it operates reinforces the sense that Balfour Beatty is committed to leaving a positive legacy through its projects and wider business activities. Overall, these initiatives make employees feel part of an organisation that values responsible business and making a meaningful difference.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Balfour Beatty offers a supportive and inclusive working environment with strong opportunities for career development, professional training, and progression. Throughout my time with the company, I have been trusted with meaningful responsibilities, supported by experienced colleagues and mentors, and given opportunities to develop both professionally and personally.
The company also promotes flexible and hybrid working, supports professional qualifications such as CIOB, and encourages employees to contribute to community and sustainability initiatives. Combined with the opportunity to work on major infrastructure projects and collaborate with knowledgeable teams, it is a rewarding place to build a long-term career.
The company also promotes flexible and hybrid working, supports professional qualifications such as CIOB, and encourages employees to contribute to community and sustainability initiatives. Combined with the opportunity to work on major infrastructure projects and collaborate with knowledgeable teams, it is a rewarding place to build a long-term career.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
The role matched my expectations very well and, in many areas, exceeded them. The recruitment process provided a realistic overview of the responsibilities, opportunities for development, and the collaborative culture at Balfour Beatty, all of which I have experienced in practice.
What has exceeded my expectations is the level of responsibility and exposure I have been given. I have had the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, contribute to business improvement initiatives, and develop both commercial and operational skills. Combined with the support available through mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities such as CIOB, the role has provided a rewarding and valuable experience that has helped accelerate my career development.
What has exceeded my expectations is the level of responsibility and exposure I have been given. I have had the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, engage with a wide range of stakeholders, contribute to business improvement initiatives, and develop both commercial and operational skills. Combined with the support available through mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities such as CIOB, the role has provided a rewarding and valuable experience that has helped accelerate my career development.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
My advice would be to be yourself and take the time to understand both the role and Balfour Beatty's values before applying. The company places a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement, so it's beneficial to demonstrate these qualities throughout the recruitment process.
Once you join, make the most of the opportunities available. Be proactive, ask questions, build relationships across the business, and take advantage of the training, mentoring, and development programmes on offer. Balfour Beatty provides excellent opportunities to learn and grow, and those who are willing to get involved and take ownership are likely to gain the most from their experience.
Once you join, make the most of the opportunities available. Be proactive, ask questions, build relationships across the business, and take advantage of the training, mentoring, and development programmes on offer. Balfour Beatty provides excellent opportunities to learn and grow, and those who are willing to get involved and take ownership are likely to gain the most from their experience.
