Aaro Surakka

Project Manager · IT Solutions

Aaro
Surakka

Over 13 years of experience in managing national and international IT system deliveries – from ERP to POS solutions.

View my work CV
13+
years in IT projects
FI · DE · UK · SWE · NO
international deliveries and projects.
Aaro Surakka

About me

Projects from Start to Finish

I am an experienced IT project manager with over 13 years of experience in national and international IT system deliveries. I have successfully led complex projects – from cruise line IT environments to nationwide restaurant rollouts – ensuring timelines, integrations, and stakeholder satisfaction.

My strength lies in combining technical understanding, systematic approach, and clear communication. My diverse educational background (BBA, Marketing Economist, Electrical and Electronics Engineering) gives me an interdisciplinary perspective: I speak fluently both the language of developers and business leaders.

In addition to project management, I handle financial administration, such as invoicing and invoice verification. This ensures that the project remains financially accurate and transparent from the first meter to the final invoice.

For me, the work of a project manager is not limited to reporting. I am a "hands-on" leader who, when necessary, goes to the field to installations to ensure that the delivery meets the customer's expectations. This practical approach has helped me anticipate challenges before they arise.

I am at my best when things are happening in a project and results are being achieved. This practical approach also extends to my free time; when I'm not managing IT deliveries, you'll likely find me operating my own excavator or at a construction site in my backyard.

Core Competencies

ERP Systems POS Systems Integrations Payment Systems Project Management Budgeting Resource Management Supply Chain Production Control Production Planning

Project Activities

International Projects Nationwide Rollouts Start-to-End Management Tender Calculation Sales Collaboration Invoicing Processes

Technical Skills

Processor Programming Electronics Automation IoT PCB Design Hands-on Attitude Field Operations Management Practical Approach

Portfolio

Key Projects

🚢

International Fleet Project

A two-year international project for a European cruise line operator – POS system delivery for nine vessels. Multiple parallel integrations: ERP, PAX, REST API, payment systems, payment terminals, and sales statistics.

ERP PAX REST API Payment Systems Payment Terminals Sales Statistics
🍔

International Fast Food Chain – Nationwide Rollout

Coordinated with a British system provider to implement an American POS system in over 60 locations across Finland. A three-party international collaboration project managed from start to finish.

POS Systems Rollout International Collaboration Subcontractor Management
🏟️

Arena Project

Delivery and implementation of +100 point-of-sale systems. Coordination, logistics, and training in a large event environment with tight deadlines.

POS Implementation Training
🌮

International Fast Food Chain – New Market Entry

Delivery of POS, payment, and self-service systems for an international fast food chain entering the Finnish market, with multiple locations.

End-to-End: ERP pipeline (order-production-invoicing), logistics, subcontracting coordination, installation, and implementation support.

POS ERP Project Management
💼

Delivery Manager & Project Manager

Responsible for coordinating and executing IT deliveries worth approximately €3.5 million annually.

Combined strategic project management with operational delivery reliability, ensuring each delivery stayed on budget and on schedule.

Delivery Management Operations Rollout Management
📦

Overall Responsibility and Scheduling for Nationwide Rollout Projects

Responsible for production control, resource allocation, and logistics planning for nationwide rollout projects to ensure installations progress as planned and on schedule.

Purchase and sales invoicing management – reviewing subcontractor invoices and finalizing invoices for dispatch.

Stakeholder collaboration with suppliers, installation teams, and customers to ensure project smoothness.

Logistics Procurement Back Office
🔧

Customer Support & Field Services

Hardware services and on-site support during nationwide rollouts. Staff training, customer contact point, quality assurance.

Customer Service Field Work Support Training

Aaro Surakka

Project Manager  ·  IT Solutions

📍 Vihti, Finland 📞 +358 50 542 9254 🔗 LinkedIn ✉️ Contact

Profile

Experienced project manager with over 13 years of experience in managing national and international IT system deliveries. I have successfully led complex projects from cruise lines to nationwide restaurant rollouts, managing schedules, integrations, and stakeholders from start to finish. My combination of technical understanding, systematic approach, and clear communication ensures projects are completed on time and to specification.

Work Experience

Project Manager 06/2021 – Present
Winpos Oy Ab · Software Design and Development
  • Led a two-year international project for a European cruise line operator – delivery to nine vessels.
  • Managed multiple parallel integrations: ERP, PAX, REST API, payment systems, payment terminals, and sales statistics.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure adherence to timelines.
ERPPAXREST API Payment SystemsPayment TerminalsSales Statistics
Service Manager / Project Manager 01/2020 – 05/2021
Open Pos Food & Beverage Finland Oy · Software Design
  • Coordinated customer deliveries and meetings, maintaining strong customer relationships and service levels.
  • Organized the implementation of an American POS solution in over 60 locations across Finland in collaboration with a British system provider.
  • Managed subcontractors and suppliers to ensure reliable nationwide rollouts.
POS SystemsRolloutStakeholder ManagementInternational CollaborationSubcontractor Management
Project Manager 02/2019 – 05/2020
Open Pos Food & Beverage Finland Oy · Software Design and Development
  • Delivered POS systems for an international fast food chain entering the Finnish market.
  • Project management from start to finish – equipment and production orders via ERP.
  • Invoice review and creation.
POSERPProject Management
Project Manager 01/2013 – 02/2019
Finnpos Systems Oy · Software Design and Development
  • Delivered payment systems to all locations of an international fast food chain in Finland.
  • Led nationwide rollout projects: procurement, logistics, and installation coordination.
  • Responsible for production control and invoicing of deliveries.
POSLogisticsBack Office
Delivery Manager 01/2012 – 01/2013
Finnpos Systems Oy · Software Design and Development
  • Customer contact point – management of equipment orders and deliveries.
  • Quality assurance and coordination of deliveries.
  • Invoice review and creation.
System Specialist 04/2008 – 01/2012
Finnpos Systems Oy · Software Design and Development
  • Hardware services and on-site support during nationwide rollouts.
Machine Worker 07/2006 – 10/2006
Tampereen Hietarakenne · Civil Engineering
  • Wheel loader and road roller operator.
  • Preparation and finishing of asphalt bases.
Terminal Worker 09/2004 – 07/2006
Schenker Cargo Oy · Transport and Storage
  • Terminal worker.
  • Customer company representative.

Other Roles

Safety and health representative 03/2019 – 01/2020
Deputy safety and health representative 05/2012 – 03/2019

Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki
08/2015 – 06/2019
Supervisor Coaching
Konkretia, Tampere
10/2012 – 10/2013
Vocational Qualification in Electrical Engineering
TAKK, Tampere
10/2006 – 04/2008
Vocational Qualification in Business and Administration
POKE, Äänekoski
08/1999 – 05/2001

At a Glance

13+ years in IT projects
FI · DE · UK · SWE · NO international projects

Languages

Finnish Native
English Advanced
Swedish Intermediate

Skills

ERP Systems
POS Systems
Integrations
Payment Systems
Project Management
Budgeting
Scheduling
Resource Management
Production Control
Production Planning
Documentation
Supply Chain
International Projects
Nationwide Rollouts
Start-to-End Management
Tender Calculation
Processor Programming
PCB Design

Hobbies & Free Time

Cross-country skiing, gym, swimming, photography, music.

In my free time, I enjoy "hands-on" projects: I do earthmoving work with my own excavator and carry out home renovations from floor to ceiling. Construction and technical work serve as a counterbalance to office work.

Personal Details

  • NameAaro Surakka
  • Driver's LicenseA, B, C

Contact

Get in Touch

I am interested in new projects and collaboration opportunities. Feel free to contact me via email or LinkedIn.

📍Vihti, Finland
📞+358 50 542 9254
🔗linkedin.com/in/aaro-surakka