Demand Planner

Role Overview

We are thrilled to offer a position for a Demand Planner motivated to join a dedicated team focused on maximizing product availability while minimizing waste. This role centers on forecasting customer demand within an FMCG environment, specifically managing multi-temperature product orders to regional distribution centers supplied by our partners. Experience with forecasting tools like Relex or comparable systems is advantageous.

About the Company

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UK's largest private companies, began as a grocery store in 1917 and now operates over 300 SPAR stores with a workforce exceeding 6,000 employees and an annual turnover of £1.3 billion. The company operates across various sectors including retail, food service, and wholesale distribution, emphasizing innovation and community engagement through strong supplier and partner relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Maximize product availability across selected commodity groups, adapting to seasonal sales fluctuations and effectively communicating related opportunities and risks.
• Participate in team huddles to share insights, challenge assumptions, and track progress towards successful outcomes.
• Optimize and meet pre- and post-cut KPI targets using data from Power BI.
• Identify and address stock anomalies to prevent waste and adhere to budget constraints.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships to forecast stock needs, promotional activities, and seasonal events.
• Monitor and challenge supplier inbound performance metrics.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless end-to-end product availability.
• Maintain demand planning software and manage product-related data files.
• Manage inventory levels at the commodity group level to meet stock holding targets and optimize stock management.
• Create and distribute data-driven reports to communicate findings and inform decisions.

Employee Benefits

• Opportunity to enhance management and sales capabilities within a supportive and diverse environment.
• Exceptional training and professional development programs.
• Hands-on experience in a fast-moving, high-volume business.
• Early access to wages via the ‘EarlyPay’ feature.
• 24/7 access to payslips and work schedules through an HR/Payroll portal.
• 10% discount at SPAR retail outlets.
• Access to a comprehensive employee benefits scheme including retail, holiday, and leisure discounts.
• Company life insurance covering 1x annual salary and an additional 6x annual salary linked with pension scheme.
• Company and NEST pension schemes available.
• Options to purchase extra holidays.
• Cycle to Work program offering bicycle purchase assistance.
• Recognition for long service, such as vouchers and extra paid leave for 25 years of service.

Additional Information

Department: Logistics, Distribution & Warehouse
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: Competitive compensation with an excellent benefits package.
Application Deadline: August 27, 2026