Merchandising Graduate Programme

Ifmosa work; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading foodservice distributor is offering a full-time Merchandising Graduate Programme in Ashford. This role involves hands-on experience in procurement, supplier negotiations, and category management. Candidates should possess a minimum 2:2 degree and a passion for food. The successful applicant will enjoy mentorship and networking opportunities as well as a competitive salary and benefits package, including potential support for CIPS qualifications. This is a unique chance to develop essential skills while contributing to a vital industry.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension and life assurance

Discounted staff sales

Cashback/discount platform

Enhanced family friendly policies

Volunteering hours

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK beyond a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa.
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in Merchandising/Procurement.
• Genuine passion for food.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment & independently.
• Initiative and a growth mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support procurement lifecycle tasks directly with buyers.
• Conduct supplier sourcing and relationship management.
• Engage in the full negotiation process.
• Gain total end-to-end category ownership.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Proactive and adaptable

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Job title: Merchandising Graduate Programme

Merchandising Graduate
Enterprise House, Eureka Business Park, Ashford, United Kingdom
Employees work in a hybrid mode
Full-time
Department: Early Careers
Location: Ashford, Kent

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026

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 (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)

What you’ll need to succeed

• A minimum of a 2:2 or above Bachelors degree (or equivalent)
• Right to work in the UK beyond a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa
• 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. 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 your CIPS Professional qualification (optional)
• Pension + life assurance
• Heavily discounted staff sales on Sysco products
• Cashback/discount platform
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Volunteering hours