Ria Bakker

Background

About Ria Bakker

Years ago, the wonderful world of Talent Acquisition stole my heart. I’ve been fascinated ever since by how hiring the right talent helps organizations grow, adapt, and thrive. I’ve always been drawn to finding that sweet spot where the person and the company truly click. For me, recruitment is all about people — understanding the human behind the résumé, advising the business, crafting smart hiring strategies, and bringing those two worlds together. When I speak with hiring managers, I want to understand what really matters to them. And I aim for that same meaningful, high-quality conversation with every candidate I meet. I believe that’s what sets me apart — and what makes me love what I do. I’m a firm believer that talent is the most important driver of any organization. Yes, data, intellectual property, and cutting-edge tech are crucial — but it’s the people who bring everything to life. The right match starts with the right fit. Skills can be trained, experience can be gained, but people need to feel at home in their work environment. That’s also why diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re essential to building teams that thrive. Currently, I’m proud to be working at Boston Scientific, where I’m part of a mission-driven organization that puts people, innovation, and impact at the center of everything. It’s the perfect environment for someone like me who loves to continuously improve—whether it’s processes, candidate experience, hiring strategies, or team collaboration. Throughout my career — starting at Olympia, growing through international roles at IBM, and expanding further at Korn Ferry and Diversey — I’ve held positions as Senior Recruitment Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Partner, Team Lead, and Project Manager. I thrive in international environments where I can connect the dots between long-term vision and short-term action, always with a focus on results, empathy, and quality. People often value me for my writing, strategic thinking, and ability to translate ideas into action. I value meaningful conversations, curious minds, and work that makes a difference. The views expressed on this LinkedIn profile, including posts and comments, are solely my own. Talent Acquisition Recruitment Business Partner Global Boston Scientific Strategy Leadership Employer Branding Agile Design Thinking Candidate Journey Talent Development Coaching Servant Leadership Proactive Improvement Mindset Innovation Change Continuous Improvement