At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Merchandising Graduate Programme and shape the future of food procurement.
- Company: Sysco GB, a global leader in foodservice distribution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CIPS support, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the food industry while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: 2:2 degree or above, passion for food, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 € per year.
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 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:
- 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 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 (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 you’ll need to succeed:
- A minimum of a 2:2 or above Bachelors degree (or equivalent)
- The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK
- 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 you’re interested in joining us – apply now! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and if you meet our entry criteria you’ll be asked to complete a short online assessment (you’ll 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
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.
Merchandising Graduate Programme (Procurement/Buying and Category Management) in Ashford employer: Sysco GB
At Sysco GB, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inspiring start to your career through our Merchandising Graduate Programme in Ashford, Kent. With a strong focus on mentorship, structured learning, and hands-on experience, we empower our graduates to develop their skills in a supportive and inclusive environment, while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth. Join us to be part of a diverse team that celebrates unique talents and fosters a culture where everyone can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandising Graduate Programme (Procurement/Buying and Category Management) in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Sysco and the food industry! Research our values, mission, and the role we play in foodservice. This will help you connect your passion for food with what we do, making you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of face-to-face interactions, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. The more comfortable you are with negotiating, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or connect with current Sysco employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can give you insights into the company culture and even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources to help you ace the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandising Graduate Programme (Procurement/Buying and Category Management) in Ashford
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 food and why you're excited about the Merchandising Graduate Programme.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific aspects of the programme that excite you and how you can contribute to our team at Sysco.
Showcase Your Skills:Use your application to demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Give examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially in team settings, as collaboration is key in our environment.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sysco GB
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Sysco's values and operations. Understand their role in the foodservice industry and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission. This shows genuine interest and preparation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves negotiation and relationship management, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated or negotiated to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Prepare for situational questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to make quick decisions or solve complex issues, especially in team settings, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the mentorship opportunities or the types of projects you'll be involved in. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the programme is the right fit for you.
