At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Marketing Graduate Programme and shape how we connect with customers.
- Company: Sysco GB, a global leader in foodservice wholesale distribution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, professional development, and discounted products.
- Other info: Dynamic placements, networking opportunities, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a creative environment while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 degree, strong interest in marketing, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Welcome to the Sysco GB Marketing 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 Marketing Graduate Programme is your opportunity to help shape how we tell our story, connect with customers, and champion the products that chefs and caterers rely on every day, all while building your career in a creative, fast-paced, and commercially driven environment. Join us and play a part in bringing exceptional food - and exceptional experiences - to the tables and communities we serve.
You will gain hands-on experience across the full marketing mix, working directly with brand, digital, content, and customer insight teams. Whether supporting national campaigns, crafting compelling product stories, or helping deliver engaging customer communications, you will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to bring ideas to life. This is a programme for communicators: people who can think creatively, work collaboratively, and express ideas with clarity and confidence.
You will be balancing multiple priorities, applying insight to shape decisions, and developing the judgement needed to deliver marketing that drives value, differentiation, and customer engagement. We are looking for curious minds and strategic thinkers who enjoy solving problems through creativity, data, and bold, customer-focused ideas. If you are ready to unlock your potential, influence real outcomes, and help bring our brands and products to life across the UK, 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 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 Marketing
- 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
As part of Sysco's Marketing Graduate Programme, you will rotate through key placements helping you understand how each part of our team works, how they connect to internal & external stakeholders, and how we communicate, promote and deliver value to our customers every day. Whether supporting customer campaigns, shaping brand propositions, analysing loyalty data or helping strengthen our digital presence, you will contribute to real projects that influence customer engagement and commercial performance.
You will be gaining experience in:
- Customer experience & customer marketing – Understanding customer journeys, shaping targeted communications and supporting campaigns that drive loyalty and retention.
- Commercial & pricing strategy – Learning how pricing, margin and merchandising insight influence marketing decisions and value perception.
- Promotions, loyalty & analytics – Using data to evaluate campaign performance, optimise promotions and strengthen loyalty programmes.
- Brand & proposition development – Helping build brand stories, craft product propositions and support content that inspires and informs our customers.
- Digital & e-commerce – Supporting digital campaigns, online content, and platform optimisation to drive customer engagement and conversion.
- Cross-functional communication & presentations – Bringing insights and ideas to life for stakeholders across the business.
You will also be fully supported to complete relevant technical training/certificates that support your placement journey. This is your chance to make an impact, learn from industry experts, and kick start your career towards becoming a Marketing Executive 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 onsite and hybrid working models
- 39hrs a week, Monday – Friday
- Some travel required (includes graduate workshops, Marketing or business events)
What you will 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 Marketing
- 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 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
- Support to undertake a Marketing Professional qualification
- Pension + life assurance
- Heavily discounted staff sales on Sysco products
- Cashback/discount platform
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Volunteering hours
Additional Information:
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.
Marketing Graduate in Ashford employer: Sysco GB
At Sysco GB, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inspiring environment for our Marketing Graduate Programme in Ashford, Kent. With a strong focus on personal development, mentorship from industry experts, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to unlock their potential and shape their careers in a collaborative and innovative culture. Join us to gain hands-on experience, work on impactful projects, and enjoy a competitive benefits package while contributing to our mission of connecting the world through food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Marketing Graduate in Ashford
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Sysco GB and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Sysco GB are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Sysco GB on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Sysco GB. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Marketing Graduate in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Sysco GB. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Sysco GB:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Sysco GB’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sysco GB
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Sysco GB will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Sysco GB, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
