Graduate Construction manager Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Job
Construction
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: October 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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!
3.8/5
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Overview of the Role
4.2/5
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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?
Since joining as a Graduate Construction Manager, I've really enjoyed making the transition from university into full-time work. It's been great to get stuck into real projects, learn from experienced people around me, and gain a better understanding of the construction industry. Every day is a learning opportunity, and I'm enjoying the challenge of developing my skills and confidence while building the foundations of my career.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My role mainly involves managing subcontractors, keeping an eye on progress, making sure work is carried out safely, and helping keep the project on track to finish on time. I work closely with the subcontractors on a daily basis, checking how they're getting on, seeing if they need any support, and helping to resolve any issues that could impact progress. I also liaise with the site team and management team to make sure everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
3/5
I feel like I have opportunities to contribute to the project, particularly through working with subcontractors and helping to keep work progressing on site. As I'm still fairly new to the role, I'm currently finding my place within the team and working to bridge the knowledge gap between university and industry.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
I feel the compensation package is fair for my role and stage of my career. The benefits are one of the strongest parts of the package and feel very competitive. The benefits I value most are the pension scheme, share schemes, company car benefit, employee discounts, and the option to buy additional annual leave. As a recent graduate, it's also reassuring to know there is a clear opportunity for salary progression as I gain experience and take on more responsibility.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
I feel my role is preparing me well for my future career by giving me exposure to real project challenges and responsibilities from an early stage. My goal is to continue growing with Balfour Beatty and build a long-term career as an industry professional. I feel the experience I'm gaining now is giving me a strong foundation to develop my skills, take on more responsibility, and progress within the business.
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 feel I am developing a lot of new skills through both my day-to-day role and the formal training available. Being on site every day has helped me build my knowledge of construction management, subcontractor management, program delivery, health and safety, and problem-solving.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
3/5
The support I've received has been good overall, and everyone has been approachable and willing to help when needed. As someone who is still new to both the company and the industry, I have sometimes found it challenging to understand who I should be reporting to for different issues and what the normal processes and ways of working are
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
The work-life balance can be challenging due to the long hours that come with working on a live construction project. While I would prefer a better balance between work and personal time, however I understood this would be part of the role when I joined the industry.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
From my experience so far, the culture has been very welcoming. Everyone I've worked with has been friendly, approachable and willing to help, which has made settling into the role much easier.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
From my experience so far, I've had no issues regarding equality, diversity, inclusion or accessibility. Everyone has been welcoming, respectful and willing to help, regardless of background or experience level. As someone new to both the company and the industry, I've always felt included within the team and comfortable being myself. While I haven't been heavily involved in specific initiatives or events, my day-to-day experience has been positive and inclusive.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
From what I've seen so far, Balfour Beatty takes CSR seriously and is helping to drive the industry forward, particularly around safety, sustainability and innovation. Even as someone fairly new to the business, it's clear these areas are a real focus across projects and the wider company.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I'd recommend Balfour Beatty because I've been given a lot of responsibility early on and have learned a huge amount in a short space of time. The people I've worked with have been welcoming and willing to help, and there's a clear opportunity to build a long-term career here. The benefits are good, the projects are interesting, and it feels like a company where you can continue to develop and progress if you're willing to put the work in.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
The role has matched my expectations well and is very much what I applied for. The recruitment process gave a good overview of what the role would involve, and my experience so far has reflected that. I've been able to get involved in managing subcontractors, monitoring progress, dealing with day-to-day site challenges and supporting project delivery, which are all areas I was hoping to gain experience in.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
My biggest piece of advice would be to keep asking questions. There’s a lot to learn when you first join, and the more questions you ask, the quicker you'll build your knowledge and confidence. Everyone I've worked with has been happy to help, so make the most of the experience and learn from the people around you.
