Demand Planner

Blackhawk Network; Dacorum; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Employee assistance program

Flexibility with hybrid work

Job summary

Blackhawk Network is seeking a Demand Planner to manage UK & Ireland demand and inventory planning. You will analyse large datasets, build forecasting models and translate insights into stock actions.

The role requires advanced Excel, data storytelling and collaboration with Card Partner, Sales and Product Implementation. Hybrid, UK-based role with a focus on inventory optimization and responsible planning.

Qualifications

• Strong data analytics skills and ability to turn findings into practical recommendations.
• Advanced Excel skills including PivotTables, lookups and data validation.
• Experience building spreadsheet-based analysis, reporting or planning models with attention to data quality.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and explain data insights.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and challenge demand forecasts and inventory plans for UK & Ireland across Retail and Incentive channels.
• Analyse historical sales, stock levels, seasonality and promotional activity to identify demand patterns.
• Build and improve Excel-based forecasting models and reporting tools.
• Translate analysis into stock recommendations considering lead times, inventory, and launches.
• Collaborate with Card Partner, Distribution Partner and Sales to validate forecasts.

Skills

Advanced Excel

PivotTables

XLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH

Data analysis

Data reconciliation

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Attention to detail

Tools

Power BI

Power Query

SharePoint

PowerApps

VBA

Job description

About Blackhawk Network

AtBlackhawk Network (BHN), we’re shaping the future of branded payments - powering reward, incentive, and loyalty solutions across 28 countries and 400,000+ consumer touchpoints. From digital gift cards and eGifts to global employee rewards and customer acquisition tools, our platforms deliver meaningful value to clients and their customers alike.

Learn more at BHN.com

Department Overview

The Supply Chain department is responsible for fulfilment activities, planning and operational implementation of new products across EMEA. The department manages activity for both Retail and Incentive channels across physical and eGift products.

This UK-based role will focus on demand and inventory planning for the UK and Ireland, working closely with commercial, operational and wider EMEA Supply Chain colleagues.

Purpose of Role

The Demand Planner will use data analysis, advanced Excel skills and commercial insight to develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts and inventory plans for the UK and Ireland.

This is a hands-on, analytical role. The successful candidate will be confident working with large datasets, building and maintaining spreadsheet-based planning models, identifying trends and turning complex information into clear recommendations. They will help ensure the right stock is available at the right time, balancing product availability with the risks of excess and obsolete inventory.

The role will work closely with Card Partner, Distribution Partner, Sales and Product Implementation teams to incorporate business intelligence, promotional activity and partner requirements into planning decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain and challenge demand forecasts and inventory plans for the UK and Ireland across relevant Retail and Incentive channels, covering physical and eGift products.
• Analyse historical sales, stock levels, sales rates, seasonality, promotional activity and market or partner changes to identify demand patterns and future stock requirements.
• Build, maintain and improve Excel-based forecasting models, planning matrices and reporting tools, ensuring calculations are accurate, assumptions are clear and outputs are reliable.
• Extract, combine, clean and reconcile data from multiple sources, investigating discrepancies and protecting the integrity of planning data.
• Translate analysis into clear stock recommendations, taking account of supplier lead times, existing inventory, outstanding orders, planned launches and changes in demand.
• Review actual performance against forecasts, investigate significant variances and use findings to improve forecast accuracy and future planning assumptions.
• Identify and communicate potential out-of-stock, excess-stock and obsolescence risks early, recommending practical actions to reduce their impact.
• Work with Card Partner, Distribution Partner and Sales teams to validate forecasts and incorporate promotional plans, seasonal peaks, new business and other commercial intelligence.
• Work with Product Implementation teams to confirm in-warehouse dates, monitor inbound stock and highlight delivery risks that could affect availability.
• Produce clear, timely reports and analysis on demand, inventory coverage, forecast accuracy and exceptions, explaining the findings and recommended actions to stakeholders.
• Support supply planning across B2B and B2C fulfilment and logistics providers, addressing demand-related issues promptly and effectively.
• Improve planning processes through standardisation, effective spreadsheet controls and automation where appropriate, reducing manual effort and the risk of error.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain colleagues across EMEA to share good practice, maintain consistent processes and provide appropriate team cover.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong data analytics skills, with the ability to interrogate large datasets, identify trends and anomalies, investigate root causes and turn findings into practical business recommendations.
• Advanced, demonstrable Excel skills. Confident use of PivotTables, lookup functions such as XLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH, SUMIFS/COUNTIFS, logical formulas and data validation is essential.
• Experience building, maintaining or improving spreadsheet-based analysis, reporting or planning models, with strong attention to formula accuracy, reconciliation and data quality.
• Ability to bring together information from different sources and explain what the data means, rather than simply produce reports.
• Strong numerical reasoning and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to question assumptions and challenge unexpected results.
• Excellent attention to detail, a structured approach to work and a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders and build effective working relationships.
• Ability to prioritise competing requirements, meet deadlines and work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, improving processes and following actions through to completion.

Desirable

• Experience in demand planning, forecasting, inventory management, supply chain analysis or a similar data-focused role.
• Experience using Power Query to combine, transform and refresh data, or Power Pivot to analyse larger datasets.
• Experience in Sharepoint, Powerapps and Powerautomate
• Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools such as Qlik, Power BI or Tableau.
• Experience automating repetitive spreadsheet tasks, for example through macros or VBA.
• Understanding of seasonal demand, promotional planning and stock management across UK and Ireland markets.
• Experience in gift cards, prepaid products, retail or multi-channel fulfilment.

We seek candidates who not only demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in emerging technologies but have also successfully implemented and utilized AI tools to enhance their work, improve processes, or deliver measurable results. Our teams embrace continuous learning and the thoughtful integration of AI to create meaningful impact – for our employees and the future of work.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: 25 days annual leave, birthday time off, and volunteering leave.
• Health & Well-being: Private medical insurance, employee assistance program, enhanced parental leave, and free eye tests.
• Financial Rewards: Group income protection, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts with our bYond card.
• Flexibility & Engagement: Office group activities and support for physical and mental health.
• Recognition: Participate in Flyers, our leading recognition program with financial rewards.

• Hybrid: Typically 2 days per week in the office. We’re open to flexible working arrangements and will consider reasonable adjustments in line with individual needs.

Candidate Journey at BHN:

• Stage 1: Shortlisting of suitable candidates
• Stage 2: Screening Call
• Stage 3: Interview(s) with Hiring Manager(s)
• Stage 4: Feedback/Hired

Blackhawk Network is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.