HR Graduate

HR Graduate Programme 
Location: Aylesford, Kent 

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

Welcome to the Sysco GB HR 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 75,000 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.   

We’re passionate about delivering excellence - not just to our customers, but to our teams. This programme is your opportunity to shape the future of HR while growing your own career in a dynamic, fast-paced industry. 

You’ll gain hands-on experience, work alongside inspiring leaders, and make a real impact from day one. We’re looking for curious minds, bold thinkers, and those who thrive on collaboration. If you’re ready to unlock your potential and help us build a workplace where everyone can flourish, 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 HR 
• 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 HR Graduate Programme, you’ll rotate through key areas of our HR function, gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundation for your career. Your journey will include: 

• HR Operations – Learn the essentials of HR processes and systems that keep our business running 
• Resourcing – Develop skills in talent acquisition and workforce planning to attract the best people 
• Employee Relations – Support fair and positive workplace practices while effectively resolving challenges 
• HR Partnering – Work closely with operational, commercial and functional business teams to deliver HR solutions that drive performance 
• Talent & Development – Help shape learning initiatives and career development programmes 
• Diversity & Inclusion – Contribute to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and belong 

And you’ll be learning how to... 

• Partner with managers and teams to deliver HR initiatives, and provide challenge, support and advice. 
• Assist in recruitment campaigns and onboarding processes. 
• Support employee engagement and development initiatives. 
• Contribute to projects that enhance HR strategy and business performance. 

You’ll also be fully supported to complete your CIPD qualification.  This is your chance to make an impact, learn from industry experts, and grow into a HR partner or specialist supporting our business. 

Key Information:

• This programme is based between our Aylesford and Ashford (Kent) sites.   
• Occasional travel required to other sites across the UK.  Candidates are required to have a driving licence and access to transport.  
• Placement rotations will be a combination of fully onsite and hybrid working models 
• 39hrs a week, Monday – Friday. (occasional requirement to support wider shifts relevant to placement activities) 

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 HR 
• 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 
• A driving licence and access to transport 

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 7th 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 CIPD Professional qualification (fully funded) 
• Pension + life assurance 
• Heavily discounted staff sales on Sysco products 
• Cashback/discount platform 
• Volunteering hours 

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.