Graduate Scheme - Business Consultant

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

Job summary

A leading global consulting firm in Nottingham is seeking ambitious graduates for its 2026 Graduate Scheme in Business Consulting. This role offers hands-on ERP project experience, mentorship, and career progression opportunities. Graduates from diverse disciplines are welcome. The position starts in September 2026, offering a competitive salary of £29,000, with potential to rise to £60,000 after four years based on performance. Hybrid working and extensive benefits are included.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Hybrid working

Access to free training courses

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree in a relevant field.
• Proactive and confident with a business understanding.
• Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultancy expertise throughout ERP implementation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on real projects.

Skills

Strong relationship-building

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

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

Job description

Graduate Scheme – Business Consultant

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 come 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 6‑month training, minimum 3 days in our office per week – Cube, Standard Court, NG1. Following the completion of the 6‑month 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 to be confirmed).

Online Test – After submission of your CV you will receive an online psychometric test which must be completed before the closing date.

Closing Date for Applications and Online Test – Midnight Sunday 1st of February 2026.

Programme Highlights

• Comprehensive training and development – extensive training on Dynamics 365 led by industry experts.
• Transparent salary progression – clear picture of goals required to increase progression through the scales.
• Global exposure – collaboration with other graduates and accelerators from across Europe during the initial six‑month programme, including a week of consultancy skills training in Denmark or Sweden.
• Hands‑on experience – ample opportunities to work on real projects with diverse clients, tackling complex business challenges and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentorship and guidance – dedicated mentors provide support and constructive feedback throughout the programme.
• Microsoft certifications & career progression – continuous learning opportunities, recognised certifications and a clear path from Associate Consultant to Principal Consultant or Lead Solutions Architect.
• Culture of collaboration and innovation – vibrant community of like‑minded professionals driving positive change.

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.

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.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Law, Business, IT, Psychology, Engineering or Manufacturing.
• Willingness to relocate to Nottingham/office based for 6 months.
• Proactive, confident and an understanding of the business landscape.
• Flexibility to travel both within the UK and abroad.
• Access to a vehicle.

Benefits

• 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, fitness & wellbeing suite, free beer, and after‑hours fizz.
• 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 x4 salary.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• £2,500 referral payment for successful candidate referrals.
• Company awards & recognition – annual company special recognition awards with prizes, employee of the year, long‑service awards.
• Employee wellbeing program – free fruit, Westfield Health (including an employee assistance line), mental health first aiders, suggestions 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.