Associate Planning Manager
Ecolab
Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica · El Coyol, Provincia de Alajuela, San José, Costa Rica
Our Global Supply Chain is a network of more than 300 manufacturing plants, distribution centers and other facilities designed and located to support our direct sales, marketing and distribution activities. We enable company growth by delivering savings through more efficient operations and high levels of service that create competitive advantage while earning and keeping customers' trust.
We are seeking an Associate Planning Manager to be responsible for a larger and/or more complex organization. You will drive improvement of supply assumptions, exception management and root cause analysis to identify deviations and issues for the long-term planning. You will act as a strategic partner, skilled in change management and highly proficient in influencing across a wide network of both internal and external stakeholders. You may manage a team of individuals with varying levels of experience.
What’s in it For You:
Opportunity for a long-term career path that allows for exposure into all areas of Ecolab’s supply chain
Access to best-in-class resources, tools, and technology
Thrive in a company that values sustainability, drives a safety-focused culture and has been recognized as one of the most ethical companies in the world
What You Will Do:
Team leader: Lead and coach a Supply Planning & Inventory Management team, ensuring professional growth through continuous feedback, development plans, and day‑to‑day support.
Service Level Improvement: Own all supply-related service KPIs (DIFOT, CFR) and drive backorder reduction. Ensure high customer satisfaction by maintaining optimal product availability. Provide visibility on root causes and lead corrective actions.
S&OP and S&OE Process: Communicate weekly future supply risks with commercial teams. Mitigate shortages and excesses on Phase in Phase out processes by working together with demand planning team.
Inventory Management: Monitor inventory health, reducing surplus, obsolete, and excess stock. Optimize master data settings (stock policy, reorder intervals, etc.) to balance service level and inventory targets. Track and communicate risks related to near-expiry raw materials and finished goods.
Production, Distribution and Materials Planning: Coordinate Material Requirements Planning (MRP), production scheduling (MPS) and Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) across the region ensuring inventory control and service level target achievement. Work collaboratively with manufacturing, warehouse, international logistics and regulatory team. Monitor Planning execution KPIs and escalate delays across the End-to-End supply chain to ensure timely product availability
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field
3+ years of Planning, Logistics and 1+ year experience leading others
Strong data‑driven communication and storytelling skills
Proficiency with Excel and other Microsoft tools
Experience working with ERPs, advanced planning systems, or analytical platforms
Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills to drive team on a continuous improvement journey
Strong business acumen and experience collaborating with International Logistics, Local Operations, Commercial team, etc
Ability to manage and resolve conflict effectively
Preferred Qualifications
APICS Certification
Experience with Power BI and Microsoft Power Platform tools
Advanced degree in a technical or business field; MBA preferred
Ecolab is committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and furthering the principles of Equal Opportunity to Employment. Our goal is to fully utilize minority, female, and disabled individuals at all levels of the workforce. We will recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance. In all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement, Ecolab will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, or disability.
Our Commitment to a Culture of Inclusion & Belonging
Ecolab is committed to fair and equal treatment of associates and applicants and furthering the principles of Equal Opportunity to Employment. We will recruit, hire, promote, transfer and provide opportunities for advancement based on individual qualifications and job performance in all matters affecting employment, compensation, benefits, working conditions, and opportunities for advancement. Ecolab will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, creed, national origin,citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions, genetic information, marital status, age, or disability.