Ecolab

Associate Planning Manager LAC

CRI - Alajuela - El Coyol Full time

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 accountable for the demand planning process and all sources of demand for products, equipment and services in the area of responsibility (division, region, etc.).

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 leadership, coordinate and develop a high-performing team. Provide feedback, guidance and track team’s results and development.   

  • Lead the execution of the S&OP and S&OE process, developing demand forecasts for products across short-term (ITP), medium-term, and long-term horizons. This includes projecting both: volume and financial results through quantitative and qualitative analyses of sales trends.

  • Conduct statistical analysis of historical data to build sales forecasts, including outlier cleaning, use of statistical models, and identification of sales trends and patterns.

  • Validate demand plans with the sales, finance and marketing teams, request collaborative demand information, building blocks, and align sales forecasts for product launches and discontinuations.

  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Forecast Accuracy and BIAS, ensuring they meet established targets. Analyze major errors to develop corrective actions and improve alignment with business divisions, as well as implement strategies to enhance statistical forecast suggestions.

  • Connect with Supply Planning team to revise incremental forecast’s supply risks and support avoid surplus inventory

  • Excess & Obsolete inventory management: report the monthly E&O results, revise root cause analysis with cross-functional team and track action plan to reduce impact.  

  • Lead executive meetings to align with senior leadership on risks and opportunities in the plan

  • Serve as an S&OP Sponsor, with proven experience in guiding and supporting cross-functional planning initiatives

  • Assist in the preparation of sales annual budget plans.


Minimum Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor’s degree in business/Statistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or related field of study

  • +3 years of work experience in demand forecasting

  • +1 years leading teams

  • Fluent in Spanish and English

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Power Point and Teams)

  • Experience in building partnerships to effectively work within cross-functional teams

  • Analytical, and problem-solving skills to drive decisions and build consensus among stakeholders

  • Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with ERPs, advanced planning system, analytical or equivalent software

  • APICS Certification

  • Proficiency in BI tools

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.