Best-In x Seasons: Headhunting Success Story

When Seasons’ Tuomo first reached out to Jarno Pynttäri on LinkedIn, Jarno wasn’t actively looking for a new job. However, his employment with his previous employer was coming to an end, and his “Open to Work” status was visible. The message arrived at exactly the right time.

One year later, Jarno is working as Sales Manager and a member of the management team at Best-In Oy.

A Period of Change Required the Right Person

Best-In has been a familiar name in the Finnish dog food market for decades, but the company was undergoing a major transformation. A new owner, relocation of operations from Kuopio to Seinäjoki, a new production facility, and the need to rebuild sales processes created a demand for new talent. Successful recruitment would play a crucial role in the company’s future.

Seasons and Best-In had already worked together before Jarno’s recruitment, particularly in hiring production personnel. When the need for a Sales Manager arose, Seasons took on the assignment, and Jarno was ultimately found through a direct search process, also known as headhunting.

The Right Contact at the Right Time

For Jarno, the process began with a message from Tuomo. Not through a traditional job advertisement, but through direct contact that perfectly matched his situation.

“The initial contact came from Seasons through LinkedIn. We agreed on a phone call where we discussed the company, the role, and the overall situation. After that conversation, the position became much clearer, and I decided to submit my application.”

The process moved smoothly forward through initial discussions and interview rounds. During the second interview, Best-In’s CEO joined the conversation and provided a detailed picture of the situation Jarno would be stepping into. Jarno appreciated the company’s openness about the significant changes taking place at the time.

“Tuomo prepared me as well as possible for the fact that I was entering a company in transition. That transparency gave me a genuine understanding that I would be stepping into a role where I could truly make an impact.”

A 50-Year-Old Startup

When Jarno joined Best-In, there was no exact roadmap defining what the role would ultimately include. A new ERP system, a new production facility, new colleagues, and plenty of responsibilities that had not yet been assigned to anyone created a unique opportunity.

“At the time, I described Best-In as a 50-year-old startup. The company has a long history and a well-known brand, but many things were being rebuilt from the ground up – processes, sales, and visibility. It was an incredibly educational environment to be part of.”

Over time, the role has grown and evolved. Today, Jarno is responsible for regional sales within the Kesko and S Group retail networks, develops sales processes, serves as the company’s ERP system manager, and participates in the management team by bringing sales data and insights to strategic decision-making.

One Year Later

Today, the company has made significant progress. The team is in place, and the direction is clear.

For Jarno, Best-In has offered a unique opportunity to see the entire value chain, from raw material sourcing all the way to products reaching store shelves – and everything in between.

“I’ve never had to think about the sales process this comprehensively from start to finish. It opens your eyes in a completely different way compared to any of my previous roles. I’m genuinely grateful for that experience.”

When evaluating the role of an external recruitment partner, Jarno has a straightforward opinion. It did not matter to him whether the opportunity came directly from the employer or through a recruitment partner. What mattered was that the process worked.

“A recruitment company’s job is to understand people’s backgrounds and move the process forward professionally. That’s exactly how it should be, and I see nothing but value in it.”

About Best-In Oy

Best-In Oy is a Finnish company based in Seinäjoki that has been producing high-quality dog food for more than 50 years. Its product range includes fresh dog food, treats, and frozen food products. Best-In products can be found in well-stocked grocery stores and retail outlets throughout Finland.

In recent years, the company has undergone significant development and renewal. Production has been relocated to Seinäjoki, closer to raw material sources, the brand continues to evolve, and sales activities are receiving stronger investment than ever before.

What Is It Like to Work at Best-In?

Best-In is a company where initiative and responsibility are part of the culture. Jarno describes it as a relatively small company where everyone can clearly see the impact of their own work.

Employees have genuine opportunities to influence how things are done, making it an ideal environment for people who want to develop their skills and continue learning. Best-In offers the chance to help build something new while benefiting from a long history and a strong, established brand.

Why Use an External Recruitment Partner?

Jarno has previously been recruited through external recruitment agencies, giving him valuable perspective on the process. His view is clear: when recruitment is handled by professionals who specialize in it, the quality of the outcome improves significantly.

“Recruitment professionals know how to evaluate candidates’ backgrounds and determine what success in a role truly requires. The hiring company becomes involved at the right stage of the process and doesn’t have to carry the entire burden alone.”

Jarno’s experience with Seasons was smooth from beginning to end. The initial contact came at the right time, communication flowed openly in both directions, and the entire process maintained a human touch throughout.

Exactly what great recruitment should be.


Recruitment managed by Seasons HR Management
info@seasons.fi

Experiences from our customers