Merchandising Graduate Programme

Vacancy Title: Merchandising Graduate Programme (Procurement/Buying and Category Management)
Location: Ashford Kent

Contract Type: Full-time Permanent
Start Date: September 2026

Welcome to the Sysco GB Merchandising Graduate Programme!

IMPORTANT INFO: Please note that if your application is progressed the assessment day for this programme will be Monday 29th June in Ashford.  Candidates will be notified by no later than 19th June if they are to be progressed to assessment stage.

At Sysco food is at the centre of everything we do. As a global leader in foodservice wholesale distribution we operate with over 76000 colleagues across 10 countries worldwide.  Driven by our purpose to connect the world to share food and care for one another were proud to supply the expertise products and partnerships that power every corner of the industry - from independent high street cafes to largescale corporate customers and from hospitals and schools to pubs restaurants and fine dining establishments across the UK. 

Our Merchandising Graduate Programme is your opportunity to help shape how we source select and deliver the food products that chefs and caterers rely on every day while building your career in a fastpaced commercially driven environment. Join us and play a part in bringing exceptional food to the tables and communities we serve.

Youll gain hands-on experience across the full procurement lifecycle working directly with expert buyers and category managers often face-to-face with our suppliers. This is a role for straight talkers: people who can build strong relationships have honest conversations and negotiate confidently to get deals over the line. Youll be managing competing priorities and real commercial pressures developing the judgement and interpersonal skills needed to balance value quality service and customer needs.

Were looking for curious minds and strategic thinkers who enjoy solving problems through data partnerships and smart decisive action. If youre ready to unlock your potential influence outcomes and help deliver the products that power our customers success this is the place for you.

Your journey starts here - lets make it extraordinary.

The Sysco GB Graduate Programme is designed to give you a dynamic and inspiring start to your career. Youll gain hands on experience take part in structured learning and receive personalised mentorship to help you transition into the workplace and develop the skills and confidence needed to grow as a future leader. Through key business rotations youll work on real projects collaborate with a variety of teams and gain valuable exposure to senior leaders.

You can expect...

• A structured learning and development plan

to build both your technical and professional capabilities

• Mentorship from experienced professionals

who will support guide and challenge you throughout the programme

• Business placements

that give you the experience and exposure to build your skills within merchandising

• Networking opportunities

with graduates colleagues and industry partners to help you grow your professional network

• Continued professional development

 including workshops training sessions and access to learning resources to accelerate your growth

• Exposure to senior leaders

providing valuable insights and helping you build your profile across the organisation

• Clear opportunities for career progression

and continued development opportunities post programme

What Youll Experience

As part of Syscos Merchandising Graduate Programme youll begin your journey with an introduction into Sysco GB Merchandising and the functions we collaborate with helping you understand how each function works how they connect to Merchandising and the daytoday challenges they navigate.

Youll rotate through two key placements each time supporting a different key category area taking responsibility for one of the product categories in that area and learning how to conduct all procurement & category activities to develop the hierarchy and contribute towards business objectives.    

Youll be gaining experience in

• Full negotiation process From planning through to execution
• Supplier sourcing and relationship management
• Pricing and cost optimisation
• Communication & Presentations
• Total end-to-end category ownership

Youll also be fully supported to complete your CIPS qualification (optional) as well as additional training in process improvement and negotiation.  This is your chance to make an impact learn from industry experts and kick start your career towards becoming a Procurement or Category Manager within one of our teams.

Key Info

• This programme is based at our head office in Ashford Kent
• Placement rotations will be a combination of fully onsite and hybrid working models
• 39hrs a week Monday Friday
• Some travel required (includes graduate workshops Merchandising or business events)
• A welcome day for all successful graduates will take place on 28th July in London

What youll need to succeed

• A minimum of a 2:2 or above Bachelors degree (or equivalent)
• Right to work in the UK beyond a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in Merchandising/Procurement
• Genuine passion for food
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment & independently
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proactive adaptable and eager to learn
• Initiative and a growth mindset

The Application Process

If youre interested in joining us apply now!  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and if you meet our entry criteria youll be asked to complete a short online assessment (youll have 3 days to do this).  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a strengths-based video interview (there will be 5 days to do this part).  If successful at this stage the final step will be an invite to join us onsite for an interview/assessment exercise.  Support and guidance will be provided throughout the process and further information about each step can be found here.

We also recommend all candidates complete our online virtual experience programme which provides an insight to the world of Sysco how we support customers deliver top quality products and work together as a team to achieve this. 

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Support to undertake your CIPS Professional qualification (optional)
• Pension life assurance
• Heavily discounted staff sales on Sysco products
• Cashback/discount platform
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Volunteering hours

Additional Information

Sysco is the worlds global foodservice leader - selling marketing and distributing food and non-food products to customers in 90 different countries across the globe.  Sysco GB (whose trading divisions include Brakes Fresh Direct Campbells Prime Meat Fairfax Meadow Country Choice KFF & Medina) is built on a passion for food and feeding the nation.  Every day we deliver the highest quality fresh and frozen food and ingredients from our nationwide network of distribution centres to some of the nations most famous pubs and restaurants as well as schools caterers care homes and hospitals. Our customers depend on us and our 8500-strong workforce is dedicated and proud to be part of this vital provision.

At Sysco GB everyone is welcome. We dont want you to fit our culture we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague.  As part of our values we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Sysco GB and we recognise that Sysco GB can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. Well do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you. 

Additional Information :

At Sysco GB everyone is welcome. We dont want you to fit our culture we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We dont just look at your CV were more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Sysco GB and we recognise that Sysco GB can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. Well do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time