Excellent Role Definition Helped Find the Right ERP Specialist
Hedengren, an importer and expert in security and building technology, was looking to recruit an ERP Specialist. The company understood that in a competitive talent market, strict requirements rarely lead to the best results. Instead, success depends on defining the right focus areas of expertise.
The job post contained just four carefully chosen bullets describing responsibilities and another four summarizing expectations. A clear concise reflection of what really mattered.
A Business-Critical Role in a Growing Company
IT Service Manager Pasi Huurre oversees Hedengren’s IT operations across the group, ensuring the company remains competitive and continuously develops.
While Hedengren outsources its service desk and infrastructure maintenance, it takes full ownership of its business-critical core systems: product management, CRM, and ERP.
“In a company of our size, the ERP system is at the heart of everything. Without it, there would be no business,” Huurre explains.
As the business grew, so did the need for additional expertise to support ERP operations. That’s where we came in to help define the role and find the right person.
Defining the Role – The Key to Success
Our recruitment consultant began by diving deep into the business and its goals.
“They asked the right questions and wanted to understand the whole picture. I knew from the start we were moving in the right direction,” says Huurre.
The collaboration was built on openness and complete access to background materials, from organizational charts to business objectives and company values.
“Pasi had a clear view of what was needed. From there, it was easy to refine and deliver,” the consultant recalls.
Once the recruitment plan was finalized, we published the job description: short, sharp, and meaningful.
“We weren’t looking for someone who knew one specific system, but a skilled ERP professional. The role had flexibility in just the right places,” they say.
“In this field, no one can know everything. That’s why it’s important to define where the core expertise should lie,” adds Huurre.
Together, we also explored what kind of person would best fit Hedengren’s work culture because technical skills alone aren’t everything.
The Human Fit Comes First
For Huurre, soft skills often outweigh technical perfection.
“Even the most talented professional won’t thrive if they don’t fit into the company’s environment and values,” he says.
Hedengren’s core values high business ethics, openness to renewal, and responsibility, guided how our consultants approached candidates.
The right tone in the job ad and detailed company insight helped spark interest.
“We did a huge amount of groundwork, but the strong background and clear messaging made the difference. Several candidates said they had noticed the role immediately,” says the consultant.
Eventually, we narrowed the field to two strong finalists.
When interviewing, Huurre focused on curiosity rather than just technical knowledge.
“I’m drawn to people who ask questions, even outside their area. There are no stupid questions,” he notes.
Beyond Filling a Role – Adding Perspective
Hiring an additional ERP expert was critical for daily operations, but even more valuable was the fresh perspective they brought.
“To stay in business, you have to evolve. No matter how much you try to keep up, tunnel vision develops over the years. That’s when outside insight becomes invaluable,” says Huurre.
Looking back, he highlights two key lessons:
- A flexible role definition helps overcome the talent shortage.
“Strict specs don’t lead to good outcomes. People need room to grow into their roles, that’s how they stay motivated and move forward.”
- The right recruitment partner makes all the difference.
“IT recruitment is a tough field. We were fortunate to have a partner with deep expertise and a broad network.”
💡 Great recruitment starts with understanding — of the role, the people, and the bigger picture.
When those align, the result isn’t just a hire — it’s a partnership that moves the business forward.