Graduate Quantity Surveyor Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Job
Surveying
East Riding of Yorkshire
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!
4.8/5
-
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?
I would describe my experience at Balfour Beatty as very positive and rewarding. Since joining as a graduate, I have gained valuable experience across a range of projects and commercial activities, which has helped me develop both professionally and personally. I have been trusted with increasing responsibility and have had the opportunity to build confidence in managing work packages and developing my commercial knowledge.
In addition to my project roles, I have enjoyed being involved in the Highways Early Careers network, where I have been able to contribute to initiatives that support graduates and apprentices across the business. This has allowed me to build relationships beyond my immediate project teams and gain a broader understanding of the company.
I have also valued opportunities to engage with senior leaders within the business. Working alongside and presenting ideas to members of the Senior Leadership Team has provided valuable insight into the wider business and helped develop my confidence and communication skills. Overall, Balfour Beatty has provided a supportive environment with excellent development opportunities, and I look forward to continuing to grow my career here.
In addition to my project roles, I have enjoyed being involved in the Highways Early Careers network, where I have been able to contribute to initiatives that support graduates and apprentices across the business. This has allowed me to build relationships beyond my immediate project teams and gain a broader understanding of the company.
I have also valued opportunities to engage with senior leaders within the business. Working alongside and presenting ideas to members of the Senior Leadership Team has provided valuable insight into the wider business and helped develop my confidence and communication skills. Overall, Balfour Beatty has provided a supportive environment with excellent development opportunities, and I look forward to continuing to grow my career here.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
As a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, my main responsibilities include subcontract procurement and management, assessing payment applications, cost reporting and forecasting, change management, and supporting the commercial management of projects. I am also responsible for maintaining commercial records, preparing contractual documentation, and working closely with site teams and subcontractors to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and within budget.
The aspects of the role I enjoy most are the variety of work and the level of responsibility I have been given. No two days are the same, and I enjoy the challenge of solving commercial issues, managing work packages, and building relationships with project teams and subcontractors. I particularly enjoy seeing projects progress and understanding how commercial decisions contribute to successful project delivery.
I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines and learning from more experienced team members. The role has provided excellent opportunities to develop both my technical commercial knowledge and my communication and stakeholder management skills.
The aspects of the role I enjoy most are the variety of work and the level of responsibility I have been given. No two days are the same, and I enjoy the challenge of solving commercial issues, managing work packages, and building relationships with project teams and subcontractors. I particularly enjoy seeing projects progress and understanding how commercial decisions contribute to successful project delivery.
I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues from different disciplines and learning from more experienced team members. The role has provided excellent opportunities to develop both my technical commercial knowledge and my communication and stakeholder management skills.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I have been given responsibility for managing work packages, engaging directly with subcontractors, and supporting key commercial processes, which has allowed me to make a tangible contribution to project delivery.
I feel trusted to take ownership of my work while still having access to support and guidance when needed. My input is valued by both project teams and managers, and I have been encouraged to share ideas and take part in discussions that contribute to wider team objectives.
Beyond my day-to-day role, I have also had opportunities to contribute through my involvement in the Highways Early Careers network, working with colleagues across the business and engaging with members of the Senior Leadership Team. These experiences have reinforced that my contributions are recognised and that Balfour Beatty invests in the development and progression of its early careers employees.
I feel trusted to take ownership of my work while still having access to support and guidance when needed. My input is valued by both project teams and managers, and I have been encouraged to share ideas and take part in discussions that contribute to wider team objectives.
Beyond my day-to-day role, I have also had opportunities to contribute through my involvement in the Highways Early Careers network, working with colleagues across the business and engaging with members of the Senior Leadership Team. These experiences have reinforced that my contributions are recognised and that Balfour Beatty invests in the development and progression of its early careers employees.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
In addition to my salary, I value the wider benefits available at Balfour Beatty, including professional development opportunities, training, pension contributions, and employee discounts.
The support provided through the graduate programme, exposure to a variety of projects, and opportunities to work with senior leaders and contribute to initiatives such as the Highways Early Careers network add significant value beyond financial remuneration. As I continue to develop my skills and take on greater responsibility, I look forward to progressing within the business and seeing my compensation grow alongside my experience and contributions.
One observation is that there are a wide range of benefits and opportunities available across the business, and I have often discovered some of these through conversations with colleagues and wider networks. While information is available, continued promotion of these benefits and development opportunities could help ensure employees are fully aware of everything on offer and able to make the most of them.
The support provided through the graduate programme, exposure to a variety of projects, and opportunities to work with senior leaders and contribute to initiatives such as the Highways Early Careers network add significant value beyond financial remuneration. As I continue to develop my skills and take on greater responsibility, I look forward to progressing within the business and seeing my compensation grow alongside my experience and contributions.
One observation is that there are a wide range of benefits and opportunities available across the business, and I have often discovered some of these through conversations with colleagues and wider networks. While information is available, continued promotion of these benefits and development opportunities could help ensure employees are fully aware of everything on offer and able to make the most of them.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Since joining Balfour Beatty, I have gained exposure to a broad range of commercial activities, including procurement, subcontract management, cost reporting, forecasting, and final account management. Being given responsibility for packages and having the opportunity to work closely with experienced colleagues has helped me develop both my technical and commercial understanding.
The variety of projects and teams I have worked with has broadened my experience and exposed me to different ways of working, which has been valuable for my development. I have also benefited from involvement in the Highways Early Careers network and opportunities to engage with members of the Senior Leadership Team, which has helped me build confidence, expand my professional network, and gain a wider understanding of the business.
Overall, I feel the combination of on-the-job experience, support from colleagues and managers, and opportunities beyond my immediate role has provided a strong foundation for my long-term career progression.
The variety of projects and teams I have worked with has broadened my experience and exposed me to different ways of working, which has been valuable for my development. I have also benefited from involvement in the Highways Early Careers network and opportunities to engage with members of the Senior Leadership Team, which has helped me build confidence, expand my professional network, and gain a wider understanding of the business.
Overall, I feel the combination of on-the-job experience, support from colleagues and managers, and opportunities beyond my immediate role has provided a strong foundation for my long-term 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
My role has provided a strong balance between formal training and practical, day-to-day learning opportunities. Through the graduate programme, I have had access to structured training and development, while my project roles have allowed me to apply this knowledge in real-world situations.
Day-to-day, I have developed a wide range of commercial and professional skills, including subcontract management, cost reporting, procurement, forecasting, communication, and stakeholder management. Being given responsibility for work packages and exposure to different projects and teams has accelerated my learning and helped build my confidence.
I have found that there are plenty of opportunities to develop new skills, both within my role and through wider initiatives such as the Highways Early Careers network. One thing I have learned is that it is important to be proactive, ask questions, and speak up if there is a particular area you would like to learn more about. Colleagues and managers are generally very supportive, and I have found that showing an interest in new areas often leads to additional learning and development opportunities.
Overall, I feel I have continuously developed both new and existing skills throughout my time at Balfour Beatty, and this has contributed significantly to my professional growth and confidence.
Day-to-day, I have developed a wide range of commercial and professional skills, including subcontract management, cost reporting, procurement, forecasting, communication, and stakeholder management. Being given responsibility for work packages and exposure to different projects and teams has accelerated my learning and helped build my confidence.
I have found that there are plenty of opportunities to develop new skills, both within my role and through wider initiatives such as the Highways Early Careers network. One thing I have learned is that it is important to be proactive, ask questions, and speak up if there is a particular area you would like to learn more about. Colleagues and managers are generally very supportive, and I have found that showing an interest in new areas often leads to additional learning and development opportunities.
Overall, I feel I have continuously developed both new and existing skills throughout my time at Balfour Beatty, and this has contributed significantly to my professional growth and confidence.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
Throughout my time at Balfour Beatty, I have had access to supportive managers, mentors, and colleagues who have been willing to share their knowledge and provide guidance when needed. I have felt comfortable asking questions and seeking advice, which has been particularly valuable as I have taken on new responsibilities and developed my commercial knowledge.
I have also found support beyond my immediate project team through the graduate programme and my involvement in the Highways Early Careers network. These opportunities have allowed me to connect with colleagues across the business, learn from different experiences, and build a wider support network.
Whilst support is readily available, I have found that getting the most out of it often comes from being proactive. Asking questions, expressing an interest in particular areas, and speaking up when you would like additional exposure or development opportunities can open up valuable learning experiences. Overall, I feel well supported in both my day-to-day role and my longer-term career development.
I have also found support beyond my immediate project team through the graduate programme and my involvement in the Highways Early Careers network. These opportunities have allowed me to connect with colleagues across the business, learn from different experiences, and build a wider support network.
Whilst support is readily available, I have found that getting the most out of it often comes from being proactive. Asking questions, expressing an interest in particular areas, and speaking up when you would like additional exposure or development opportunities can open up valuable learning experiences. Overall, I feel well supported in both my day-to-day role and my longer-term career development.
How is your work-life balance?
4/5
My work-life balance has generally been very good. While there are naturally busier periods around key project deadlines, I have found workloads to be manageable and managers to be supportive in maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal commitments.
Given the project-based nature of the business, there can be times when projects are located further from home and travel is required. However, this is an expected part of the role and has also provided opportunities to gain experience on different projects and work with a wider range of teams.
Overall, I feel I have been able to develop professionally, take on additional responsibilities, and get involved in wider business initiatives while maintaining a positive work-life balance.
Given the project-based nature of the business, there can be times when projects are located further from home and travel is required. However, this is an expected part of the role and has also provided opportunities to gain experience on different projects and work with a wider range of teams.
Overall, I feel I have been able to develop professionally, take on additional responsibilities, and get involved in wider business initiatives while maintaining a positive work-life balance.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The organisational culture at Balfour Beatty is supportive, collaborative, and centred around continuous learning and development. I have found colleagues at all levels to be approachable and willing to share their knowledge, which has been particularly valuable as a graduate developing my skills and confidence.
What has stood out most to me is how willing people are to support one another. Throughout my time with the business, many colleagues, including members of the Senior Leadership Team, have offered their support and guidance. When I have taken them up on that offer, they have always made time in their busy schedules to meet with me, even if it was just for an hour to discuss career development, project experiences, or to share advice. This has made me feel valued and demonstrates the genuine investment people have in developing others.
The company's values are reflected in the way teams work together, with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, integrity, and delivering successful outcomes. Overall, the atmosphere is professional but welcoming, and I have felt encouraged to contribute ideas, take on responsibility, and continue developing both personally and professionally.
What has stood out most to me is how willing people are to support one another. Throughout my time with the business, many colleagues, including members of the Senior Leadership Team, have offered their support and guidance. When I have taken them up on that offer, they have always made time in their busy schedules to meet with me, even if it was just for an hour to discuss career development, project experiences, or to share advice. This has made me feel valued and demonstrates the genuine investment people have in developing others.
The company's values are reflected in the way teams work together, with a strong focus on safety, teamwork, integrity, and delivering successful outcomes. Overall, the atmosphere is professional but welcoming, and I have felt encouraged to contribute ideas, take on responsibility, and continue developing both personally and professionally.
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. Throughout my time with the business, I have seen a genuine effort to create an inclusive environment where people feel respected and supported, regardless of their background.
There are a range of initiatives, networks, and development opportunities available, and employees are encouraged to get involved and share different perspectives. Through my involvement in the Highways Early Careers network, I have seen how the business strives to give a voice to employees at different stages of their careers and create opportunities for engagement across the organisation.
I have also found colleagues and leaders to be approachable and supportive, with a culture that encourages collaboration and openness. While there is always room for organisations to continue evolving and improving, my experience has been that Balfour Beatty takes equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility seriously and actively promotes a workplace where everyone can contribute and develop.
There are a range of initiatives, networks, and development opportunities available, and employees are encouraged to get involved and share different perspectives. Through my involvement in the Highways Early Careers network, I have seen how the business strives to give a voice to employees at different stages of their careers and create opportunities for engagement across the organisation.
I have also found colleagues and leaders to be approachable and supportive, with a culture that encourages collaboration and openness. While there is always room for organisations to continue evolving and improving, my experience has been that Balfour Beatty takes equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility seriously and actively promotes a workplace where everyone can contribute and develop.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Throughout my time with the business, I have seen a strong commitment to supporting local communities, charitable causes, education, and social value initiatives. Employees are regularly encouraged to get involved in activities that make a positive impact beyond the projects we deliver.
One aspect I particularly value is that all employees are provided with volunteering days and are actively encouraged to support volunteering opportunities and community initiatives. This makes it easier for people to get involved in causes they care about while giving back to local communities.
The business also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, community engagement, and supporting future talent through outreach and early careers activities. Overall, I feel CSR is something that Balfour Beatty genuinely prioritises, and it is encouraging to work for a company that strives to create a positive impact both within and beyond the construction industry.
One aspect I particularly value is that all employees are provided with volunteering days and are actively encouraged to support volunteering opportunities and community initiatives. This makes it easier for people to get involved in causes they care about while giving back to local communities.
The business also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, community engagement, and supporting future talent through outreach and early careers activities. Overall, I feel CSR is something that Balfour Beatty genuinely prioritises, and it is encouraging to work for a company that strives to create a positive impact both within and beyond the construction industry.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company provides excellent opportunities for development, particularly through its graduate and early careers programmes, and gives employees the chance to gain experience on a variety of significant projects. I have been trusted with responsibility from an early stage in my career, which has helped me develop both professionally and personally.
What stands out most is the supportive culture. Colleagues at all levels, including members of the Senior Leadership Team, are approachable and genuinely invested in helping others succeed. I have found that people are willing to share their knowledge, offer guidance, and make time to support development, which creates a positive learning environment.
Balfour Beatty also offers opportunities beyond day-to-day project work, whether through volunteering, Early Careers initiatives, networking, or engaging with the wider business. Overall, it is a company where you can build strong technical skills, develop your professional network, and be supported in achieving your career goals.
What stands out most is the supportive culture. Colleagues at all levels, including members of the Senior Leadership Team, are approachable and genuinely invested in helping others succeed. I have found that people are willing to share their knowledge, offer guidance, and make time to support development, which creates a positive learning environment.
Balfour Beatty also offers opportunities beyond day-to-day project work, whether through volunteering, Early Careers initiatives, networking, or engaging with the wider business. Overall, it is a company where you can build strong technical skills, develop your professional network, and be supported in achieving your career goals.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
The recruitment process provided a good overview of the graduate programme, the responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor, and the development opportunities available at Balfour Beatty. However, since joining, I have been given exposure to a wider range of projects, responsibilities, and development opportunities than I initially anticipated.
I have particularly valued the level of responsibility and trust given to me early in my career, as well as the opportunities to get involved in initiatives beyond my day-to-day role, such as the Highways Early Careers network and engagement with senior leaders across the business. The support available from colleagues, managers, and the wider business has also exceeded my expectations and has played a key role in my development.
Overall, the experience has provided far more learning, exposure, and opportunities than I expected when applying, which has made it a highly rewarding start to my career.
I have particularly valued the level of responsibility and trust given to me early in my career, as well as the opportunities to get involved in initiatives beyond my day-to-day role, such as the Highways Early Careers network and engagement with senior leaders across the business. The support available from colleagues, managers, and the wider business has also exceeded my expectations and has played a key role in my development.
Overall, the experience has provided far more learning, exposure, and opportunities than I expected when applying, which has made it a highly rewarding start to my career.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
The business values people who are eager to develop, take on challenges, and contribute to projects and the wider team.
During the onboarding process, I would encourage new starters to be proactive, ask questions, and make the most of the opportunities available to them. There is a wealth of knowledge within the business, and colleagues at all levels are generally very willing to offer support and guidance.
I would also recommend getting involved in networks, events, and initiatives outside of your day-to-day role, such as Early Careers activities. These opportunities can help you build your network, gain exposure to different parts of the business, and accelerate your personal and professional development.
Overall, if you are open to learning, willing to step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of the opportunities available, Balfour Beatty can provide an excellent start to your career.
During the onboarding process, I would encourage new starters to be proactive, ask questions, and make the most of the opportunities available to them. There is a wealth of knowledge within the business, and colleagues at all levels are generally very willing to offer support and guidance.
I would also recommend getting involved in networks, events, and initiatives outside of your day-to-day role, such as Early Careers activities. These opportunities can help you build your network, gain exposure to different parts of the business, and accelerate your personal and professional development.
Overall, if you are open to learning, willing to step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of the opportunities available, Balfour Beatty can provide an excellent start to your career.
