Graduate Scheme - Business Consultant

Columbus Deutschland GmbH; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global digital solutions provider is launching its 2026 Graduate Programme for aspiring Associate Business Consultants. This unique opportunity involves comprehensive training and the potential to work hybrid after initial training in Nottingham. Candidates should have a relevant degree and strong interpersonal skills. The position offers a starting salary of approximately £29,000, increasing based on performance, alongside various benefits including private medical insurance and a life assurance plan.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working model

Private medical insurance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee wellbeing programme

Company recognition awards

Qualifications

• Graduate (or soon-to-graduate) with relevant degree.
• Willingness to relocate to Nottingham for training.
• Proactive, self-starter attitude.

Responsibilities

• Participate in full-cycle ERP implementation projects using Microsoft Dynamics 365.
• Provide consultancy expertise across the project life cycle.
• Build strong client relationships and act as a trusted advisor.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication

Strong interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Proactive and commercially focused

Flexibility to travel

Education

Minimum 2:1 in Finance, Accounting, Law, Business, IT, Psychology, Engineering, or Manufacturing

Job description

Overview

Columbus, a global leader in digital solutions and consulting, is launching its 2026 Microsoft Dynamics 365 Graduate Programme. Graduates from a range of subject backgrounds are trained to become client‑facing business consultants, rather than solely technical specialists.

Location and Working Arrangement

The programme starts with six months of in‑person training at our Nottingham office (Cubo, Standard Court, NG1). After training you may work from anywhere in the UK and you are welcome to choose a hybrid option.

Salary & Benefits

Basic salary of approximately £29,000 plus benefits, increasing to around £60,000 after four years of performance‑based progression.

• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service)
• Hybrid working model
• Private medical insurance
• Modern air‑conditioned office with catering, fitness & wellbeing suite, free beer and other perks
• Columbus benefits hub – discounts on tickets, shopping, car leasing, holidays, food etc.
• Access to free training courses and Microsoft certifications
• Personal pension plan
• Life assurance (four times salary)
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• £2,500 referral reward
• Employee wellbeing programme – free fruit, health support, mental health first aid, suggestion boxes
• Company recognition awards (annual, long‑service, employee of the year)

Responsibilities

As an Associate Business Consultant you will:

• Participate in full‑cycle ERP implementation projects using Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, dealing with real clients and complex business challenges
• Provide consultancy expertise across the project life cycle, developing and delivering solutions
• Build strong client relationships and act as a trusted advisor

Qualifications

• Graduate (or soon‑to‑graduate) with a minimum 2:1 in Finance, Accounting, Law, Business, IT, Psychology, Engineering, or Manufacturing
• Willingness to relocate to Nottingham for six months of training
• Excellent oral and written communication, strong interpersonal and organisational skills
• Proactive, self‑starter, commercially focused
• Flexibility to travel within the UK and abroad; possession of a vehicle for travel

Program Features

The programme includes:

• Comprehensive training on Dynamics 365 led by experienced experts
• Transparent salary progression roadmap
• Global exposure – training with graduates and accelerators from across Europe, including virtual and in‑person sessions in Denmark or Sweden
• Hands‑on real‑project experience
• Dedicated mentors and constructive feedback support
• Continuous learning and Microsoft certification opportunities
• Clear progression path from Associate Consultant to Principal Consultant or Lead Solutions Architect

Next Steps

To apply, submit your CV and complete the online psychometric test before midnight Sunday, 1 February 2026. The programme starts in September 2026.