Graduate Scheme - Business Consultant

Columbus; Coventry; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in digital solutions is seeking graduates for their Associate Business Consultant role in the Microsoft D365 Graduate Programme 2026. Based initially in Nottingham for training, successful candidates will engage in real client projects. This is an opportunity for those with a degree in Finance or related fields to build a consulting career with competitive salaries and continuous development opportunities. Embrace flexibility and innovation in a vibrant work culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Private medical insurance

Access to fitness suite

Free Microsoft certifications

Life assurance 4× salary

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Degree in relevant field such as Finance, Accounting, Business, or Engineering.
• Willingness to relocate to Nottingham for initial training.
• Proactive and confident understanding of the business landscape.
• Ability to travel within the UK and abroad.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultancy expertise throughout the project lifecycle.
• Engage in ERP implementations as a trusted advisor.
• Work on complex business challenges with clients.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Positive self-starter

Commercial focus

Education

Minimum 2:1 degree in Finance, Business, IT or equivalent

Job description

Associate Business Consultant – Graduate Programme (2026)

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of cutting‑edge technology and business transformation? Columbus, a global leader in digital solutions and consulting, is thrilled to announce our 2026 Microsoft D365 Graduate Programme is now open for registration.

Whilst we work in digital transformation and ERP systems, we aren't after "Techies" - our graduates are from a range of subject backgrounds, and are trained to be client‑facing business consultants.

Location

Must be willing to be Nottingham office‑based for the initial training 6 months, min. 3 Days in our office p/w – Cubo, Standard Court, NG1. Following the completion of the 6‑month initial Training, you can base yourself anywhere in the UK.

Salary

c£29,000 basic salary & benefits. (rising to c£60,000 after 4 years dependent on performance)

Starting

September 2026 - actual date tbc

Online Test

Following submission of your CV application, you will be sent an online psychometric test which needs to be completed ahead of the closing date.

Closing Date for Applications and Online Test

Midnight Sunday 1st of February 2026

Programme Highlights

• Comprehensive training and development on Dynamics 365 leading by industry experts.
• Transparent salary progression through clear goal milestones.
• Global exposure during initial six‑month training via collaboration with graduates from Europe.
• Hands‑on experience on real client projects allowing you to tackle complex business challenges.
• Mentorship and continuous guidance from senior consultants.
• Opportunities for Microsoft Certifications and a clear career progression path.
• Culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

The Role of Associate Business Consultant

We are looking for enthusiastic, committed and newly or recently qualified graduates, Early Careers Consultants, or those looking for a career change, to join our Graduate/Accelerator Training Programme in September 2026.

The experience, knowledge, and skills you will gain on this scheme will:

• Give you an in‑depth understanding of Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP implementations.
• Offer you the opportunity to quickly become a respected and credible Microsoft Dynamics Business Consultant.
• Help you to become an expert in your field of business and a trusted advisor to our customers.
• Provide you with a rewarding career pathway at Columbus.

You will be based in our consultancy department and will provide consultancy expertise throughout the project lifecycle of an ERP implementation. It is therefore essential that you are commercially focused, a positive self‑starter and have strong relationship‑building, interpersonal, organisational, and oral/written communication skills.

About You (Essentials)

• Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent qualifications/experience) in Finance, Accounting, Law, Business, IT, Psychology, Engineering or Manufacturing.
• Willingness to relocate to Nottingham/Office Based for 6 months.
• Proactive, confident understanding of the business landscape.
• Flexibility to travel within the UK and abroad.
• Ability to drive with access to a vehicle.

What We Can Offer

You will be part of both a local and global team, where you not only share knowledge but also a laugh or two. We value our employees and leave room for flexibility so that you can enjoy a work‑life balance.

You Will Get

• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service)
• Hybrid working
• Private medical insurance
• Modern air‑conditioned city centre office space, with breakout areas, barista‑style coffee, access to fitness & wellbeing suite, free beer, and fizz after hours.
• Columbus benefits hub – discounts on tickets, shopping, car leasing, holidays, food and more.
• Access to free training courses delivered by Columbus Academy.
• Free Microsoft certifications and access to Microsoft Learn.
• Personal pension plan.
• Life assurance 4× salary.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• £2,500 payment for successful candidate referrals.
• Company awards & recognition.
• Annual company special recognition awards with prizes.
• Employee of the Year & Employees Employee of the Year.
• Long service awards.
• Employee wellbeing program with free fruit, Westfield Health assistance line, mental health first aiders, and suggestion boxes.

Next Steps

Apply now and unlock your potential with Columbus! Together, let's transform businesses and make an impact that lasts a lifetime.

Visit our website or contact us for more information.

In the meantime, check us out on Instagram or LinkedIn.

STAY CURIOUS, COLLABORATE, BUILD TRUST, and DELIVER CUSTOMER SUCCESS.