Graduate Business Manager Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Scheme
Business Management, Business Operations
Derby
Review Submitted: September 2026
Overall Rating
4.3 /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!
4.3/5
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Overview of the Role
4.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
2/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
I have really enjoyed my time at Balfour Beatty so far. There are lots of opportunities for graduates to progress and try new things in the business. All of the graduates and apprentices also have the opportunity to bond with their cohort and create good relationships. The company does an excellent job of taking care of all their early careers.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Having worked in the workforce planning area of the business, I have particularly enjoyed looking for solutions to last minute workforce requirements as it always keeps you on your toes! I have also enjoyed being able create good relationships with project teams across the UK and then being able to visit them in-person.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
As a graduate I am treated as just another member of the team so I have had the opportunity to get stuck in with a variety of workforce planning tasks.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
There are regular office events including a summer bbq and Christmas party. We also receive two pay rises a year on the early careers programme with a clear career path following completion of the graduate scheme.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
I think this role has been a fantastic start to preparing me for my career. I have worked across different roles within the workforce planning team, giving me exposure to all areas of the business. The only potential room for improvement would be to work across other teams.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
I don't often complete formal training, however, on the graduate scheme you do complete training on soft skills within the workplace including training on emotional intelligence etc
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
I have had some really supportive line managers. I also got paired up with a buddy who helped me settle into my team really well. Additionally, three times a year we get the opportunity to talk with SLT members.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
The worklife balance is great, the option to hybrid work and have flexible start times is great.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Balfour Beatty really encourages a safe and inclusive work environment through their zero harm and right to respect initiatives.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
Balfour Beatty has a variety of support groups who work on a supporting a variety of people. These cover gender, sexuality, ethnicity, neurodiversity, disability plus much more.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Balfour Beatty have dedicated teams on every project who are responsible for ensuring environmental, social and ethical values are upheld. Many people across the business also use our 2x volunteer days to support local communities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a fantastic company to work for with a significant amount of growth in the industry over the next few years.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
2/5
Originally my role was advertised as a graduate business manager which rotates around the business however, it was a graduate workforce planner that I was actually hired for. I can't complain though as I still love the role.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Always be prepared for any pre-interview tasks. If you are asked to produce a piece of work before the interview like a presentation make sure you do.
