Buying and Category Management Graduate Programme in Ashford

Welcome to the Sysco GB Merchandising 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’re 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 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 fast‑paced, commercially driven environment. Join us and play a part in bringing exceptional food to the tables and communities we serve.

You’ll 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. You’ll be managing competing priorities and real commercial pressures, developing the judgement and interpersonal skills needed to balance value, quality, service and customer needs.

We’re looking for curious minds and strategic thinkers who enjoy solving problems through data, partnerships, and smart, decisive action. If you’re 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 - let’s make it extraordinary.

The Sysco GB Graduate Programme is designed to give you a dynamic and inspiring start to your career. You’ll 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’ll work on real projects, collaborate with a variety of teams, and gain valuable exposure to senior leaders.

You can expect...

What You’ll Experience

As part of Sysco’s Merchandising Graduate Programme, you’ll 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 day‑to‑day challenges they navigate.

You’ll 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.

You’ll 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

You’ll also be fully supported to complete your CIPS qualification 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)

What you’ll need to succeed

• A minimum of a 2:2 or above Bachelors degree (or equivalent)
• 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
• Driving licence and access to transport beneficial

The Application Process

We also recommend 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
• Volunteering hours

Additional Information

Sysco is the world’s 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, Campbell’s 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 nation’s most famous pubs and restaurants, as well as schools, caterers, care homes and hospitals. Our customers depend on us, and our 8,500-strong workforce is dedicated and proud to be part of this vital provision.

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. 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.

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