birte haakansson

As a flexible resource for start-ups and small to medium sized businesses providing support on an interim, project (on-site or remote), or part-time basis. Create and/or maintain an HR infrastructure that will allow your business to grow by attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent. Collaborating with you we do all “things” HR – Compliance Audits, Employee Handbook, Recruitment, Performance Management, Benefits, Compensation, Process Development/Implementation, Coaching, HR automation (HRMS), On-Boarding.

Acting on-site Human Resources Director. Building an HR infrastructure to support and align with business plan for start-ups. Coaching and support to managers and employees during corporate re-structure, which resulted in a reduction-in-force of about 30%. Guidance in annual benefits renewal, compensation planning and administration, all recruiting and staffing needs, performance management, employee relations and HRIS.

Partnered with the management team in providing progressive and innovative human resources solutions and to build a high-performance HR team. Created HR processes including recruiting and retention strategy; introduced and implemented interviewing and assessment tools. Developed and implemented measurement tools to track cost-per-hire, time-to-fill, and baseline figures on quality of hire. Re-launched the Employee Referral program. Partnered with CEO in recruiting senior executive team members. Re-designed and implemented performance management program, promotion process, and competency model to support business plan; Implemented quarterly bonus program; Evaluated current HRIS system and recommended solution for improvements. Primary liaison with external, domestic, and international, legal counsels regarding such matters as labor law issues, and processing and managing work visa and green-card fillings.

Canine Genius designs and develops innovative dog toys and other pet products. We started designing, and rapid-prototyping in 2002/2003, manufacturing in 2003/2004, with our first trade-show in 2004. We built the business to over 3000 retail stores and distribution worldwide. We licensed our products to a large dog toy company that is taking our product lines to the next level. Now our focus is on design and development.