Chicago-based digital services firm West Monroe has announced plans to expand operations at its facilities in the Real Cariari Business Center, aiming to triple its workforce.

The company first entered the Costa Rican market in 2021 after acquiring product engineering firm Verys. Since then, the operation has grown from a small startup team to more than 100 full-time employees specializing in software and data engineering, business analysis, cloud platforms, and internal corporate functions.

West Monroe’s Costa Rica office was built with a nearshore strategy in mind, enabling teams to work in real time with U.S. colleagues and clients through shared time zones and cultural alignment. Executives say this approach has allowed the firm to deliver consulting services at the same quality and speed as its U.S. offices.

“We saw early on the incredible talent and potential in the Costa Rica team,” said Brian Paulen, head of offices and global enterprise services at West Monroe. “What started as a smart strategic bet has evolved into a vital part of our business. Reaching 100 employees is a big milestone, but even more impressive is how seamlessly our Costa Rica and U.S. teams partner together, support each other, and genuinely enjoy the work, despite being separated by thousands of miles.”

 

The company plans to expand its Costa Rica team to 300 employees, citing strong client demand and the need for broader capabilities. Leaders emphasized the growth is meant to complement, not replace, its U.S. operations.

Hiring will continue across multiple areas, including technology, shared services, business consulting, and industry expertise. Open positions are listed on West Monroe’s careers website.

Costa Rica has attracted steady foreign investment in recent years, though employment challenges persist. According to the National Employment Survey (INEC), the unemployment rate stood at 6.7% between May and July 2025, leaving more than 153,000 people without work. Men accounted for about 55% of that total, or roughly 85,000 individuals.

West Monroe joins a growing list of international companies expanding in the country. Earlier this year, IKEA signed a franchise agreement with Sarton Group to bring its stores to Costa Rica.

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