At Sage, innovation starts with our people. With over 13,000 colleagues across 40 locations worldwide, supporting over 2 million customers, we’re united by a shared purpose: to transform the way millions of businesses work. As a global leader in AI, finance and HR software, we harness cutting‑edge technology and forward‑thinking ideas to simplify complexity and drive progress. You’ll join a high‑achieving culture that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Together, we’re shaping the future of business software.
Why join Sage as a graduate?
At Sage, we believe your career should start with opportunity, growth, and purpose. As a graduate, you’ll benefit from structured training and development programmes designed to build your skills and confidence from day one. You’ll also have access to Sage Foundation, our global initiative that gives you five paid volunteer days each year to make a positive impact in your community.
You’ll join exceptional teams where you will have the chance to learn from experts, connect with peers, and grow a global professional network. We’re committed to helping you shape your future, offering clear career pathways and opportunities to innovate and make a real difference.
What will you be involved in?
The Graduate Market & Competitor Intelligence Programme is designed for graduates who are curious about markets, competitors, and the forces shaping the business software industry. You’ll join Sage’s Market & Competitor Intelligence function, gathering, analysing and synthesising market, competitor and customer intelligence to support strategic decision‑making across Corporate Strategy, Product Strategy and Go‑To‑Market teams. You’ll work directly on projects that influence executive and board‑level decisions, helping Sage identify market opportunities, competitor threats and emerging industry trends that strengthen our competitive position and accelerate growth.
Please note that this is a hybrid role requiring three days per week in the office.
Key Responsibilities
- Tracking emerging competitors, start‑ups and disruptive business models to spot threats and opportunities early
- Contributing to market opportunity assessments for existing and new markets
- Maintaining competitor profiles covering strategy, products, pricing, partnerships and financial performance
- Monitoring competitor launches, acquisitions, funding rounds and executive changes
- Collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative intelligence from multiple sources
- Building reports and dashboards that communicate market and competitor performance clearly to senior stakeholders
- Exploring how AI and emerging technologies can be used to improve research quality, efficiency and insight generation
What we’re looking for
To be eligible for this role, you’ll need a degree (or equivalent qualification) in Business, Economics, Marketing, Finance, Data Analytics, Computer Science, Politics, International Relations or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends and draw meaningful conclusions from multiple information sources
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively
- A proactive, self‑starting attitude and willingness to learn new tools, platforms and techniques
- A curious mindset that embraces change and is genuinely interested in how businesses and markets work
- Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with colleagues across different levels and functions
- Experience of using AI tools such as Copilot, Claude or ChatGPT, and an interest in continuous development of AI skills as the technology evolves
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Teams
- Exposure to Power BI, Tableau or other data visualisation tools would be advantageous
- An understanding of SaaS business models, or an interest in financial technology, accounting software or business software markets, would be advantageous
- Experience conducting research projects during university would be advantageous
What you can expect from the process
- Apply online with your CV
- Complete screening, cognitive testing and video interview
- If successful at the video interview stage, you will be invited to attend a final stage assessment
- Successful candidates will join us in October 2026
Please note that due to the high volume of applications, there may be a delay in our response. We thank you for your patience.
Here at Sage, we are committed to inclusivity for all. If you need adjustments that would support you in the application process, please reach out to us at earlycareersadjustments@sage.com.
Benefits of working at Sage
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays from day one
- Paid time to learn (5 learning days a year)
- Paid time to give back (5 volunteering days a year)
- Private healthcare, digital GP & wellbeing support
- Competitive pension with Sage contributions
- Paid parental leave, inclusive from day one
- Work from abroad for up to 10 weeks a year
- Discounts on tech, travel, gyms and more
- Cycle to Work and EV schemes
Market & Competitor Intelligence Graduate-Newcastle in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Sage
At Sage, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and growth. Our high-performing culture encourages creativity and collaboration, providing graduates with structured training, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact through initiatives like the Sage Foundation. With a commitment to employee well-being and a hybrid work model, you'll thrive in an environment that values your contributions and supports your career journey from day one.
