Buying/Category Management Graduate

Job Description

Merchandising Graduate Programme (Procurement/Buying and Category Management) 
Location: Ashford, Kent 

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent 
Start Date: 20th September 2027

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. 

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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 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 Information:

• 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:

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.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete an online ‘Life at Sysco’ module and then move onto our strengths-based video interview.  If successful at this stage, the final step will be an invite to join our onsite assessment day.  This is currently planned for 1st or 3rd December in Ashford.  Support and guidance will be provided throughout the process and further information to help you learn more about Sysco GB can be found here. 

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

At Sysco 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 and we recognise that Sysco 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.