HR Graduate

Job Description

Vacancy Title: HR Graduate Programme
Location: Various locations available (Warrington, Reading, Grantham, Hemel, Portbury)

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

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Welcome to the Sysco GB HR Graduate Programme!

At Sysco, we believe people are the heart of everything we do. As a global leader in food wholesale distribution, 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 Info

• During the programme you will be based from one of our key depot locations (to be determined with the successful candidate).  Location options include Warrington, Reading, Grantham, Hemel, Portbury.
• 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)
• Some travel required (includes graduate workshops, HR 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 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

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 CIPD Professional qualification
• Pension + life assurance
• Heavily discounted staff sales on Sysco products
• Cashback/discount platform