Associate – Strategy and Program Management

Associate – Strategy and Program Management 

About Sysco LABS:  

Sysco LABS is the Global In-House Center of Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY), the world’s largest foodservice company. Sysco ranks 55th in the Fortune 500 list and is the global leader in the trillion-dollar foodservice industry.  

Sysco operates 333 distribution centers across 10 countries, with 75,000 colleagues serving approximately 670,000 customer locations, including restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments, entertainment venues and more. For fiscal year 2026, which ended June 27, 2026, the company generated sales of more than $84 billion.  

Sysco LABS Sri Lanka delivers the technology that powers Sysco’s end-to-end operations.  

Sysco LABS’ enterprise technology is present in the end-to-end foodservice journey, enabling the sourcing of food products, merchandising, storage and warehouse operations, order placement and pricing algorithms, the delivery of food and supplies to Sysco’s global network and the in-restaurant dining experience of the end-customer.  

Role Overview: 

The Associate – Strategy and Program Management applies broad theoretical project management knowledge to support the planning, organization, and control of resources, procedures, and timing across projects and initiatives within the assigned portfolio, reporting to the Program Manager – Strategy and Program Management. Work is closely supervised, with problems faced typically not difficult or complex. The role maintains tracking and reporting mechanisms, prepares draft materials for leadership and stakeholder communications, and coordinates with cross-functional teams to ensure timely, high-quality delivery. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. 

Responsibilities: 

• Project and Initiative Support: Support the organizing of project teams and the assignment of individual responsibilities within the assigned portfolio, working under the direction of the Program Manager on defined workstreams 

• Scope and Deliverables: Assist in defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders, aligning with organizational goals 

• Planning and Tracking: Develop and maintain project schedules, timelines, and resource plans for assigned projects, monitoring progress against plan and proactively flagging deviations 

• Materials and Reporting: Prepare draft presentations, reports, and supporting materials on project status, cost, timing, and staffing for leadership and stakeholder communications, incorporating direction from the Program Manager 

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, coordinating inputs and following up to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks

• Status and Issue Management: Participate in and help facilitate project status meetings, supporting the identification and resolution of obstacles to completing projects on time and to budget 

• Meeting Documentation and Action Tracking: Record meeting minutes and maintain action/task trackers across assigned initiatives, following up with stakeholders to ensure timely closure of open items 

• Quality and Standards Adherence: Support adherence to internal project management standards, methodologies, and templates across assigned workstreams 

• Stakeholder Communication: Communicate project updates, milestones, and accomplishments to stakeholders as directed, ensuring alignment with objectives and maintaining transparency 

Personal Attributes: 

• Attention to Detail: Meticulously ensures all tasks are completed to the highest standards 

• Executional Capability: Delivers results efficiently, adhering to timelines and maintaining quality 

• Job Area Knowledge: Applies broad theoretical project management knowledge and can explain relevant facts, policies, and practices to stakeholders 

• Time Sensitivity: Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks and respond promptly to dynamic challenges 

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Contributes to identifying and resolving straightforward obstacles under guidance 

• Adaptability: Adjusts quickly to evolving priorities in a fast-paced environment 

• Effective Communication: Articulates ideas clearly and concisely, tailored to diverse audiences 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized local or foreign university, or an equivalent qualification 

• A professional qualification in Project Management (fully or partially completed) is advantageous 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook 

• Excellent organizational and detail-oriented skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and drive them to completion in dynamic environments 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration 

• Strong verbal and written English communication skills 

• Prior experience in project coordination or project management is advantageous 

Benefits: 

• Performance-based annual bonus 

• Performance rewards and recognition 

• Agile Benefits – special allowances for Health, Wellness & Academic purposes Paid birthday leave 

• Team engagement allowance 

• Comprehensive Health & Life Insurance Cover – extendable to parents and in-laws 

• Hybrid work arrangement 

Sysco LABS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.