Paul Cooper - Managing Director

Few can match Paul’s hands-on experience in the flexible workforce industry. As a younger man, Paul trained and qualified as a fitter and turner, first-hand experience that provides him with insights and perspectives rarely found in an MD. After ascending management ranks and heading major manufacturing and distribution sector workforces (including 10 years with Pilkington glass and 8 years with Bonaire), Paul was subsequently approached by one of Australia’s largest labour hire companies where he spent 12 years as a Senior Manager. Paul’s expertise spans many industry sectors with a particular focus on industrial, manufacturing, FMCG, defence and mining sectors.

Veronica Tornow – General Manager

Veronica has been in senior roles since 1996 and joined the recruitment sector in 1999 at one of Australia’s largest labour hire companies. Veronica’s breadth of knowledge in labour hire expands across multiple high profile clients working across all sectors including Industrial, FMCG, Logistics and White Collar.

Some of Veronicas responsibilities (and areas of key focus) have included work in operational excellence, technology developments, business process improvements, maximising efficiencies and implementing ‘key points of difference’ to client sites.

James Kramer - Corporate Strategist

James is a resource to both our clients and the senior management team. James’ career began in international trade finance and he subsequently spent several years in strategic management consulting. He eventually joined one of Australia’s largest labour hire companies as Manager of Strategy and Planning, where he contributed to one of the company’s most significant growth periods. James also headed that company’s Integration Program Office to successfully develop and manage transition plans for competitor acquisitions. James joined Challenge in late 2010 and facilitates all manner of strategic and business planning activities for the business. Just as importantly, James provides similar support to our valued clients to help them achieve optimal workforce efficiency. James has also been involved with the not-for-profit sector since 2007 and continues to do pro bono work. He is fluent in English, French and German.

Sean Ralph - Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHS&E) Manager

Sean’s strengths include a decade of establishing, maintaining and monitoring safety management systems. Sean’s track record includes a range of progressively senior safety roles that have allowed him to develop valuable experience across a range of industries relevant to Challenge’s customers. This includes OHS&E experience in manufacturing, mining (both open cut and underground) as well as light industrial and construction. Sean is also a very pragmatic safety manager with extensive knowledge in OHS training, inspections, workplace assessments, safety audits, rehabilitation and health management systems.

Sean has experience establishing and maintaining safety, rehabilitation and management systems in both large and small organisations, and he also successfully managed self Insurance renewals for two large organisations. Sean’s considerable OHS&E qualifications include a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (Management Stream) alongside several other academic credentials.

Mark Hornsey - Victoria Manager

Mark’s experience in the recruitment industry dates back to the beginning of this century, working within one of the world’s largest integrated recruitment businesses. Mark has held many key industry roles and his experience makes Mark passionate about building effective long term relationships.

Cambell Ring – New South Wales Manager

Joining the team in 2010, Cambell not only brings to our organisation a lengthy managerial and front line experience, he is also a veteran in on-site management of flexible workforces and has an ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders from the shop floor through to the senior executive.

Mark Hawken - Western Australia Manager

Mark Hawken has extensive experience in marketing and sales spanning 26 years. His deep understanding of industry and commerce throughout Western Australia has allowed him to excel in key roles including National Sales Manager, State Manager and Marketing Manager. Mark has established a broad network across the print, publishing, manufacturing, resources, construction, government and supply sectors with a track record for high levels of customer service. Known for his strong hands-on approach and possessing a reputation for getting the job done he demonstrates a strong understanding of client needs and the methodology involved in meeting those requirements.

Shane Hunt – South Australia Manager

Shane brings an extensive 20 years experience in the labour hire industry with significant previous industry experience in the power generation, mining, construction, petrol chemical, manufacturing and defence sections.

His extensive work history gives Shane a unique and effective base from which to provide insightful support to customers, and he is known for his willingness to become intimately involved with customer requirements. Shane spends most of his time at on-site locations within Metropolitan Adelaide and Regional South Australia.

Thomas van der Zant - Queensland Manager

Thomas comes from a trades background and has a wealth of experience addressing Clients’ flexible workforce needs. Thomas has spent a decade developing industry expertise, in particular his competence in Production and Manufacturing, Logistics, Civil Construction, Heavy Fabrication and Electrical.

As Queensland Manager, Thomas oversees one of the country’s fastest growing regions. Just as importantly, Thomas supplements his local manufacturing expertise with the sound knowledge of mining industries developed working in previous roles. It is such valuable and complementary skills that allow Thomas to work so effectively with Challenge’s wider management team to deliver benefits and results locally and at sites right across the country.