Graduate Scheme – Category Manager

Location: Eccles or Wellingborough Are you ready to kick-start your career in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment? Our Graduate Scheme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across key areas of our business, developing the skills and insight needed to become a future leader. Our rotational graduate scheme is designed to give you a breadth of experience across multiple core areas of the business: Supply Chain / Trade Planning / Insight Gain a deep understanding of how our products flow from supplier to customer. You’ll analyse performance, identify trends, and support trade planning decisions that drive sales and efficiency. Buying Step into the world of commercial decision-making. You’ll work alongside our buying teams to source products, build supplier relationships, and deliver ranges that meet customer needs and business goals. You’ll get Structured learning and development throughout the programme Exposure to senior leaders and real business challenges Clear progression opportunities following successful completion A supportive and inclusive environment where you can thrive Salary: £ 32,000 Start Date: 6 Sept 2027 Using data and insight to influence trading decisions Collaborating with suppliers and internal teams Analysing performance and identifying growth opportunities Supporting commercial strategies across categories Taking increasing ownership as you progress through the scheme This section is here to help you get a feel for what each scheme is about and what might suit you best. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills listed - we don’t expect you to. We’re looking for potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. We’ll support you to build the rest. A passion for people, understanding customer needs and ensuring products and services are delivered effectively Enjoy working with and supporting others to achieve shared goals, and build positive relationships and collaborate effectively with a wide range of people. Have strong problem-solving skills and a desire to continuously improve things. Be curious about how a business operates and what drives great customer experiences. Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to take ownership of challenges. Be adaptable and resilient in fast-paced, changing environments. Show enthusiasm for developing leadership skills and making a positive impact on teams and customers. Strong communicators who can influence and inspire others Commercially aware with a problem-solving mindset On track for a 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline Above all, we're looking for individuals who are motivated to learn, embrace new experiences and grow their careers while helping the business succeed. You might know Booker as the UK's leading food and drink wholesaler, serving independent retailers, pubs, restaurants and local businesses across the country. But we're much more than that. With over 190 branches, distribution centres, logistics operations and support functions nationwide, it takes thousands of colleagues working together to keep our business moving and our customers thriving. At Booker, our colleagues share one goal: helping our customers succeed. Whether that's ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time, providing outstanding service, or finding new ways to improve how we operate, every role makes a difference. Just as no two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues, and that's something we celebrate. We're a business where people can learn, grow and build rewarding careers. From day one, you'll be supported with training, development opportunities, mentoring and coaching to help you reach your potential. We have a strong track record of developing our people and promoting from within, creating exciting opportunities for those who are eager to learn and take on new challenges. We're proud to be a place where everyone is welcome and valued. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and working environment where colleagues can be themselves and perform at their best. If you need any adjustments or support during the application process, we're here to help. And if you're excited about the opportunity but don't feel you meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.