wasted potential - Business Manager ALTEN Employee Review

1.0
Apr 10, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There use to be a good in office atmosphere (2022). You can have a lot of responsibility and if you have a willingness to give up much of your life you can gain a lot of experience quickly

Cons

A lot. There is not senior management that focuses on strategy, as a BM we were at time (repeatedly) to hire more engineers, then a couple of weeks later we were told to fire engineers (one of many examples). Some of the managers will stab you in the back, and I know of some 'coach' managers who stole the accounts of their team in the process getting them fired. The business priorities on reducing cost with out understanding the impact on quality, the company already knows that the pay is in the bottom quartile of salaries in the UK but will not make a change. preferring to instead sell the benefits of exposure to other industries to compensate for this, however as most engineers are fired after their first project this is of no benefit, and for the other functions like BMs most leave in less than 2 years and so it too offers little cv benefit. you will be micromanaged, not all the senior managers are bad I can think of 2 who I really like, but the rest are either terrible humans or are very new in the business and likely will not last long. the MD has pulled all the BM team in a meeting and showed a ranking of everyone, regardless of if they were new to the business there for a while or any other qualifier. all but 4 were underperforming (out of 40) targets and metrics - the targets are impossible, and the metrics are pointless. Creating a lot of friction and frustration. and action to change the ways of working that might risk slowing the metrics is strangled in its infancy. I know of 2 BMs who took long term sick leave due to mental health issue caused by the job. and final point i can be bothered writing, if you do not like lying to engineers (most of whom are young and idealistic) or your clients you will start to find this role sole sucking after about 6 months at best.

Explore other reviews about ALTEN

5.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I have been with the company for several years and have had a very positive experience overall. The company offers strong opportunities for career growth, especially for employees who are proactive, take ownership, and consistently deliver results. Internal mobility and leadership opportunities are available for those looking to advance their careers. Compensation is competitive within the industry, and performance is generally recognized and rewarded. While there is always room for improvement, I feel that the company provides fair compensation and good opportunities to increase earnings through career progression. Management is supportive and accessible. As with any growing organization, I have found leadership to be committed to employee development and business success. There is a strong entrepreneurial culture that encourages initiative and accountability. One of the biggest strengths of the company is the variety of projects and clients. Employees have the opportunity to work across different industries, technologies, and business environments, which helps accelerate professional development and keeps the work interesting. Pros: * Strong career development opportunities * Diverse and challenging projects * Supportive and entrepreneurial culture * Exposure to a wide range of industries and clients Overall, I would recommend this company to professionals looking for growth, responsibility, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Cons

Fast-paced environment that requires adaptability High expectations for performance and ownership

5.0
Jun 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

4+ years as a Business Manager at Alten, starting in Paris and now based in California and I have zero regrets. The career growth is real. You're given autonomy, your efforts are recognized, and the opportunities follow if you put in the work. The company has the network and the scale to open doors that others can't. Highly recommend for anyone ambitious and looking to build something long-term.

Cons

Fast-paced environment, not for everyone

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