Freelance HR Business Partner & Interim Head of HR
Laura
Suominen
I build the HR foundations that scaling and midsize businesses need.
About
Building HR that drives the business
I’m a senior HR professional with over 13 years of experience building the HR foundations that scaling businesses need, from leadership team ways of working to capability frameworks, processes, and team structures. Most recently I was Head of HR at Neste, leading HR for a scaling business unit across 8 European countries. Before that, Jacobs Douwe Egberts and Brooks Sports, a mix of global FMCG and fast growing environments.
I’ve repeatedly stepped into partial or immature HR setups and built what was missing: standing up comp structures, onboarding programs, and HR systems from scratch, forming and coaching new leadership teams, and designing lean org structures that support long term growth.
I bring a pragmatic approach that puts business priorities first, translating them into HR agendas with real outcomes. I thrive where there’s a real problem to solve and space to build, not just maintain. Originally from Finland and rooted in Amsterdam, with solid knowledge of Dutch and broader European employment law, including works council management and M&A integrations across multiple European entities.
What I Do
Where I can help
Interim HR Leadership
Stepping in as HR Business Partner or Head of HR for scaling and midsize companies, on an interim or project basis.
Building HR From the Ground Up
Comp structures, onboarding programs, HR systems, and org design for companies that have outgrown ad hoc HR.
M&A Integration
Aligning policy, benefits, and employee experience when companies or teams come together.
Reorganization & Change
Leading the people side of restructuring, including works council consultation, with a plan for what comes next.
Compensation & Job Grading
Building pay structures and grading frameworks that are fair, competitive, and easy to explain.
Dutch & European Compliance
Pensions, works councils, and employment law across multiple countries.