Karen Bardwell
Managing Director
Karen has an extensive background in organisational development,
recruitment and human resource strategy, having worked in the human
resource field since 1991. She has owned and operated her own
recruitment and human resource company since 1997, having developed
this company into a niche market recruitment leader, particularly
in the areas of mining, engineering, executive and commercial
recruitment. The establishment of the Christchurch branch and
Optima Human Resources is an extension of a successful history in
delivering sustainable value for clients and candidates. Karen
provides an extensive recruitment and business management
experience, combined with a proven business acumen and passion for
getting the right result for clients and candidates.
Karen commenced her career within the banking sector, later
progressing through the manufacturing sector including 4 years as a
Regional Human Resource Manager for a multi- national company with
business arms in forestry, construction, processing and manufacture
(Fletcher Challenge). Her tertiary education (Bachelor of Business
Studies) was completed part time whilst developing her career
path.