Merchandising Graduate Programme (Procurement/Buying and Category Management) 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.

• 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

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 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