Merchandising Category Specialist

Sysco Corp.; Limerick; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Sysco Ireland seeks a Merchandising Category Specialist to join our team in Limerick, Dublin or Belfast. The role supports procurement, vendor management, and tender activities, ensuring supplier performance and on-time delivery to customers.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage supplier relationships, and help set category strategy while maintaining accurate price files and service levels for optimal business outcomes.

Qualifications

• Third level degree in business/procurement or related food discipline.
• Experience in food industry procurement or supplier management is preferred.
• Proficient in MS Excel (intermediate-advanced) and basic ERP/CRM usage.
• Full clean B driving license required; willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support in supplier communication and vendor-related queries.
• Assist with contract negotiations, tender processes, and vendor onboarding.
• Support Sales Team on external tenders and supplier evaluations.
• Monitor vendor compliance, service levels, and performance metrics.
• Maintain accurate records and data for audit traceability.

Skills

Vendor management

Procurement

Analytical

Excel skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor degree in Business/Procurement/food-related

Tools

Excel

Job description

# **JOB DESCRIPTION**As the leading foodservice provider across the island of Ireland, Sysco’s success is driven by a team of passionate and dedicated individuals who go above and beyond to deliver every day.We don’t just deliver food and drink to our customers. We deliver new thinking, technology and talent to our industry. We deliver opportunities - to ourselves and to our colleagues ensuring that we can all thrive in work and beyond.We are now looking for new talent to join us as we continue to grow, innovate and deliver. **Merchandising Category Specialist – Limerick, Dublin or Belfast** We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a **Merchandising Category Specialist –Limerick, Dublin or Belfast,** a role which will assist with the procurement process, including day to day vendor management, terms negotiation and vendor supply / service level.The role requires a candidate who will be:o Analyticalo Proactive, self-motivated and results driveno Able to manage vendor relationships If you are ready for a challenge, we want to hear from you.Apply today and discover what your career could look like with Sysco Ireland.**Key Accountabilities:*** Provide day-to-day support in the management of supplier communication, including query resolution for stakeholders within the business in relation to vendor/items etc.* Act as day-to-day liaison with Supply Chain* Support on the negotiation of contracts/agreements with vendors* This includes tenders, vendor compliance, new vendor set up* Providing support to the Sales Team on customer/external tenders as appropriate* Liaise with other departments as required* Review and monitor framework risks. Lead & support the development of mitigation plans to address these risks where possible* Support in the identification and selection of vendors using Sysco criteria* Working closely with Category management team on sourcing, category strategy, supplier negotiations, supplier selection, supplier approval and supplier onboarding* Ensure that inbound service levels are on or above target* Attend Sales training sessions & meetings as required* Ensure that you product and price file is continuously and accurately maintained* Act as point of contact for DSMs and ASMs* Act as escalation point for Demand Planners* Monitor and maintain our database including Tas, COIs, etc to ensure that all records are fully up to date & accurate and compliant with for audit traceability* Work with vendors to ensure vendor compliance, product availability and service level **Requirements:** * Third Level Degree in a Business / Procurement / Food related discipline is desirable* High level of commercial expertise with relevant experience within the Food industry* Results-based with a demonstrated track record of applying financial, commercial or procurement skills to a range of business-related objectives* A proactive approach to problem solving and issue resolution.* Excellent Microsoft Office skills including Excel to intermediate-advanced level is a minimum requirement* Full clean B driving license* The role may involve travel, so a degree of flexibility is required **Sysco Ireland Culture**o **Customer Focus:** We deeply understand our customers' needs, continuously looking at ways to deliver real value.o **Building Relationships:** We foster strong, effective relationships across teams, always working together. We embrace change and support each other through it.o **Clear Communication:** We communicate clearly and effectively, ensuring our message resonates.o **A Passion for Food:** We source and deliver food and drink that inspires excellence and creativity in kitchens for the most memorable dining experiences.**The accountabilities and requirements outlined in this job description are neither definitive nor restrictive and may change in detail from time-to-time to meet the changing needs of the business.** **Sysco is an equal opportunity employer.**