Demand Planning Lead

M-KOPA's mission is to make high-quality energy affordable to everyone. The company has connected over 400,000 homes in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to solar power, adding more than 550 new homes daily.

The Demand Planning Lead at M-KOPA will spearhead the demand planning process, focusing on creating precise forecasts through the analysis of market trends, past performance, sales data, and key demand drivers. This position requires collaboration with various internal teams to enhance inventory management, guarantee timely product availability, minimize costs, and boost overall operational effectiveness. The successful candidate will be tasked with maintaining robust forecasting models, monitoring their accuracy, proposing corrective measures, and continuously refining demand planning methodologies to support the company's strategic objectives.

1. Develop and continuously improve demand forecast models using historical data, sales trends, market insights, and business assumptions.
2. Lead the monthly demand planning cycle, including forecast reviews, exception-based planning, and SKU-level forecast submissions.
3. Establish and monitor forecast accuracy metrics, analyze forecast variances, and communicate corrective actions to relevant stakeholders.
4. Communicate forecast, inventory, and demand assumptions clearly to management and cross-functional teams to support informed decision-making.
5. Monitor and report significant changes in sales forecasts, budgets, promotions, seasonal demand, new product introductions, and business strategies.
6. Support inventory planning by identifying demand risks, supply constraints, slow-moving items, and opportunities to optimize safety stock levels.
7. Conduct root-cause analysis on forecast discrepancies and demand-related issues, ensuring timely resolution and mitigation actions.
8. Facilitate regular forecast review meetings with commercial, finance, supply chain, and management teams to align demand plans with business priorities.
9. Contribute to annual budget planning by providing demand forecasts, sales trend analysis, and cost optimisation insights.
10. Maintain demand planning processes, tools, and reporting routines to improve forecasting discipline, planning visibility, and operational performance.

1. A recognized degree in Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
2. A minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in demand planning, forecasting, inventory planning, supply chain analysis, or a related role.
3. Strong understanding of inventory management principles, demand planning processes, and supply chain operations.
4. Strong analytical, mathematical, and statistical skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify demand patterns.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of integrated supply chain, ERP, or demand planning systems.
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present forecasts, risks, and recommendations clearly.
7. Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
8. Customer- and market-focused, with the ability to respond effectively to changing business priorities.
9. Ability to multitask and deliver accurate outputs in a fast-paced environment.