At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Sales Graduate Programme and build lasting customer relationships while driving growth.
- Company: Sysco GB, a global leader in foodservice wholesale distribution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, discounted products, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in sales with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree, strong interest in sales, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Welcome to the Sysco GB Sales Graduate Programme! At Sysco, food is at the centre of everything we do. As a global leader in foodservice wholesale distribution, we operate with over 76,000 colleagues across 10 countries worldwide. Driven by our purpose to connect the world to share food and care for one another, we are proud to supply the expertise, products and partnerships that power every corner of the industry - from independent high street cafes to large-scale corporate customers, and from hospitals and schools to pubs, restaurants and fine dining establishments across the UK.
Our Sales Graduate Programme is your opportunity to be at the forefront of those relationships. You will play a key role in helping our customers succeed, driving growth through insight-led selling, and building long-term partnerships in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment. This is where you start building a career that brings exceptional food, service and support to the communities we serve.
From day one, you will gain hands-on experience across our sales operation, working closely with experienced sales professionals and account managers. You will engage directly with customers of all sizes - understanding their needs, recommending the right solutions, and helping them get the most from their relationship with Sysco. This is a role for confident communicators who enjoy building trust, having honest conversations and influencing decisions that deliver value for both the customer and the business. We are looking for ambitious, curious graduates who enjoy working with people, solving problems, and using data and insight to shape conversations.
If you are motivated by targets, energised by collaboration, and excited to take ownership of your impact, you will thrive here. Your journey starts here - let’s make it extraordinary.
The Sysco GB Graduate Programme is designed to give you a dynamic and inspiring start to your career. You will 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, you will 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 Sales
- Networking opportunities with graduates, colleagues, and industry partners to help you grow your professional network 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
As part of the Sysco Sales Graduate Programme, you will begin your journey with a comprehensive introduction to Sysco GB, our Sales function, and the teams we collaborate with across the business. This foundation will help you understand how we serve our customers, how different sales teams operate, and how our commercial decisions come together to support both local high street customers and large-scale corporate accounts.
Year 1: Building Core Sales Skills
In your first year, you will complete four key placements, rotating across different sales teams and customer types. Each placement is designed to give you hands-on exposure to the breadth of our sales operation - from local field sales and account management to strategic customer teams. You will work with experienced sales professionals, supporting live accounts and gradually taking on responsibility as your confidence grows. Throughout the year, you will get to grips with core sales skills, understand the needs of different customer segments, and learn how we tailor our approach to deliver value in a competitive market.
Year 2: Specialise and Deepen Your Impact
In Year 2, you will have the opportunity to specialise in one sales area that aligns with your strengths, interests and future career ambitions. This is where you will really deepen your skills and experience, taking on greater ownership and responsibility as you work towards your post-graduate role within the business. You will continue to build strong customer relationships, contribute to sales growth, and develop the commercial insight needed to succeed in a fast-paced environment - all with the support of your manager, mentors and the wider graduate network.
You will gain experience in:
- Core sales and account management skills
- Building and maintaining customer relationships
- Understanding customer needs and delivering tailored solutions
- Managing a portfolio and balancing competing priorities
- Commercial conversations, negotiation and influencing
- Communication, presentations and stakeholder management
- Using data and insight to identify opportunities and drive growth
You will also be supported through structured training, on-the-job learning and ongoing development designed to build your confidence and capability as a sales professional. This is your chance to make a real impact, learn from experienced sales leaders, and kick-start your career towards becoming a sales professional with your own ledger and the opportunity to increase your earnings through a generous bonus scheme.
Key Info
This is a home-based role but as a sales professional you will spend the majority of your time travelling to our customer locations and key business sites. This is a South East based position so for this programme you will need to be based within driving distance of Bicester, Reading, Hemel and Aylesford. 39 hours a week, Monday – Friday. Additional travel required includes graduate workshops, Sales or business events. A company car or allowance will be provided – candidates must hold a UK driving licence.
What you’ll need to succeed
- A minimum of a 2:2 or above Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Right to work in the UK beyond a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa
- Strong interest in pursuing a career in Sales
- Genuine passion for food
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Initiative and a growth mindset
The Application Process
If you are interested in joining us – apply now! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and if you meet our entry criteria you will be asked to complete a short online assessment. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a strengths-based video interview. 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.
What we offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Pension + life assurance
- Heavily discounted staff sales on Sysco products
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Volunteering hours
At Sysco GB everyone is welcome. We don’t 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 don’t just look at your CV, we’re 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. We’ll 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.
Sales Graduate in London employer: Brakes Food Shop
Contact Detail:
Brakes Food Shop Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Graduate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Sysco and its values! Research the company culture, mission, and the specifics of the Sales Graduate Programme. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to referrals, which can be a game-changer in landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your video interview by rehearsing common questions and scenarios related to sales. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking chats, send a quick thank-you email. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds, reinforcing your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Graduate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for sales and food, and don’t be afraid to show us what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Sales Graduate Programme. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for, like your communication skills and problem-solving abilities. Show us why you’re a perfect fit!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly see your strengths and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process and what to expect next. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brakes Food Shop
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Sysco's mission and values. Understand their role in the foodservice industry and be ready to discuss how your passion for food aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Sales Graduate, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built relationships or influenced decisions, as this will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Sales Graduate Programme, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if Sysco is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Skills
Sysco values analytical and problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you approached them. Highlighting your proactive mindset and adaptability will resonate well with the interviewers.