Meet the face2face Team
Chris Lejsek
Managing Director
Operations
Chris is a highly experienced recruitment leader with over 20 years in the industry.
Chris Lejsek (Managing Director)
Chris is a highly experienced recruitment leader with over 20 years in the industry. Chris has led teams delivering specialist talent solutions for government clients across Project and Bulk recruitment solutions.
Chris is known for his collaborative approach and commitment to building strong partnerships that drive successful outcomes across the public sector.
Charlene Gardiner
Finance and Operations Manager
Operations
Charlene, with a strong background in finance, professional services and recruitment, ensures face2face’s operations and processes run smoothly, efficiently, effectively and accurately.
Charlene Gardiner (Finance and Operations Manager)
Charlene (Charlie) has a strong and diverse background in finance, operations, professional services and recruitment.
As Finance and Operations Manager, she leads the way in creating systems, processes and procedures that ensure face2face runs seamlessly and efficiently.
In finance and operations, Charlie leverages her excellent attention to detail, well-developed time management skills and strengths in crunching numbers and figures.
Preparing accurate, timely and detailed forecasts, financial statements and business activity reports is essential. Also essential is analysing and reconciling cash flow, enabling face2face to move from strength-to-strength in a fast-paced, continually changing market, and with confidence.
Importantly, Charlie meets the myriad of legal requirements inherent in the multi-faceted recruitment industry. She provides proactive, evidence-based, strategic advice to the Managing Director. This includes recommendations from her research on new state-of-the-art, with innovation key.
Overall, Charlie does whatever it takes to make life better for the team at face2face and the employers and candidates it services.
Charlie is dedicated to getting everything done right the first time, and always on time. That includes paying employees and contractors.
Charlie is known for remaining calm under pressure. She always applies sound judgement and never skips a beat.
What does Charlie celebrate most about her position at face2face?
‘Streamlining processes, developing tools for efficiency and going all out to make it happen,’ says Charlie. ‘I’m motivated to do whatever it takes to streamline operations and make life better for our dynamic team, employers and job seekers.’
Jessica Dann
Workflow and Compliance Analyst
Operations
Jessica brings expertise in contract, compliance, and workflow management, supporting the team at face2face Recruitment. She ensures smooth, compliant processes that deliver quality outcomes for candidates and clients.
Jessica Dann (Workflow and Compliance Analyst)
Jessica, a passionate and committed professional, embraces her role at face2face Recruitment as a key contributor to the team’s operational success. In her position as Workflow and Compliance Analyst, she plays a vital role in ensuring recruitment processes are efficient, timely, and fully compliant.
Enthusiastic about supporting the delivery of high-quality recruitment outcomes, Jessica works closely with team members and external suppliers to optimise digital workflows, automate processes, and ensure smooth onboarding for candidates. Her expertise spans compliance, contract management, and system support, helping to mitigate risks and uphold industry standards.
Thriving in fast-paced environments, Jessica approaches challenges with confidence and precision. She’s a reliable resource for colleagues and clients alike, always focused on improving processes and delivering consistent results.
What motivates Jessica in recruitment?
“I’m driven to deliver exceptional results and to support the team with smart, efficient workflow solutions that make a real difference,” says Jessica.
Joanna Brooks
Divisional Manager
Policy and Program
Joanna leads the Policy and Program team at face2face, delivering tailored recruitment solutions for government clients with professionalism and precision.
Joanna Brooks (Divisional Manager, Policy and Program)
As Divisional Manager of the Policy and Program team at face2face, Joanna specialises in sourcing high-calibre talent for government roles in policy development, program delivery, and strategic advisory. With extensive experience in public sector recruitment, Joanna understands the nuances of placing professionals in complex, high-impact environments.
She works closely with clients to identify their workforce needs and deliver tailored recruitment solutions that align with departmental goals and timelines.
Joanna’s approach is consultative and responsive—she takes the time to understand each client’s priorities and ensures every placement is handled with care, accuracy, and discretion.
Joanna is known for her deep knowledge of the policy and program space, her ability to manage high-volume recruitment with precision, and her commitment to building long-term relationships. Her leadership supports a team that thrives on collaboration, speed, and quality, helping government clients meet their staffing needs with confidence.
Amanda Cox
Principal Consultant
Policy and Program
Amanda is a recruitment specialist with more than 8 years’ experience delivering high‑quality talent solutions specifically across the Australian Public Service.
Amanda Cox (Principal Consultant, Policy and Program)
Amanda is a recruitment specialist with more than 8 years’ experience delivering high‑quality talent solutions specifically across the Australian Public Service. That experience gives her deep insight into APS workforce needs, talent engagement and the nuances of sourcing specialised professionals in competitive markets.
For more than 15 years, Amanda has developed strong capability in stakeholder engagement, candidate evaluation, operational support and mentoring across government, not‑for‑profit and private sector environments. This breadth of experience has shaped a well‑rounded understanding of organisational needs, team dynamics and the importance of matching capability with culture – all of which underpin the way she partners with clients today.
Amanda focuses on policy, program, procurement and Executive Assistant recruitment across permanent, non‑ongoing and labour‑hire roles, with a strong track record of building trusted relationships and delivering fast, accurate, capability‑aligned shortlists.
She’s known for developing highly nurtured talent pools, understanding the operational realities of government teams and providing clear, honest advice to both clients and candidates. Her approach is warm, collaborative and outcomes‑focused – ensuring the right people are matched with the right environments.
Neil Valecha
Recruitment Consultant
Policy and Program
Neil has a Bachelor of Business Administration and exceptional customer service strengths. As Recruitment Consultant, he provides quality Policy and Program candidates to a range of Government clients.
Neil Valecha (Recruitment Consultant, Policy and Program)
At award-winning face2face Recruitment, Neil focuses on sourcing the best talent for employer needs, often on an urgent basis.
High-level customer service and superior coordination and organisation skills are core competencies Neil brings to the table in his role as Recruitment Consultant in our Policy and Program division.
With attention to detail, Neil prepares job descriptions, formats resumes, completes reference and other checks, organises interviews and facilitates contractor onboarding. He also writes and places ads on various platforms to attract the widest possible talent pool and conducts candidate searches matching talent with positions.
Neil, throughout his career, has developed a sharp customer focus, across diverse industries including in sales, retail, and advertising and marketing.
Backed by a Bachelor of Business Administration, Neil has worked in project administration on 2 large-scale transport projects (in New South Wales). He demonstrated strengths in handling multi-faceted requirements to tight deadlines and showed initiative in driving new processes. A key achievement as Business Administration Coordinator, SIEMENS Mobility, for example, was building an automated timesheet system that saved up to 5 hours a week and significantly reduced discrepancies.
Neil is a dynamic and productive team player with exceptional interpersonal skills. He is a proactive listener, a clear and concise communicator and highly motivated to drive the best recruitment results at face2face. He is flexible, adaptable and professional through and through.
Urvish Kahar
Account Manager
Technology Workforce Solutions
Urvish specialises in ICT roles, applying a deep understanding of Australia’s complex job market (public and private). A lateral thinker, Urvish works creatively on all recruitment.
Urvish Kahar (Account Manager ICT)
Urvish’s education includes a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development and several professional recruitment certificates. An experienced recruiter with more than 6 years in the industry – working nationally and internationally – Urvish now focuses on ICT roles at award-winning face2face.
As Account Manager, Technology Workforce Solutions, Urvish applies his deep understanding of Australia’s complex job market (public and private sectors). A lateral thinker and problem-solver, Urvish works with passion to support candidates to land their dream roles. In doing so, he proactively provides candidates with valuable career guidance and pinpoints diverse opportunities. Urvish excels in building relationships and connecting with candidates at all levels and across all industries. He gets a buzz out of meeting such diverse talent.
Urvish also excels at providing employers with dedicated support, so they fill the roles required for organisational success as efficiently and seamlessly as possible.
Resilient, positive and customer-focused, Urvish is also dedicated to continual professional development. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) and a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management and Project Management.
Before focusing solely on the dynamic world of ICT, Urvish built deep knowledge and experience in recruiting in the areas of Accounting and Finance, Administration and Office Support, Government Policy, Program and Project Management, Human Resources, Business and Business Analysts, and Procurement. With the Australian Government, he recruits across all APS, EL 1, EL 2 and SES roles.
What drives Urvish’s enthusiasm?
‘I find immense fulfillment in helping candidates secure positions that suit their skills and personalities,’ says Urvish. ‘It’s a joy to help every candidate shape their future.’
Maddy Farrell
Account Manager
Technology Workforce Solutions
As ICT Account Manager, Maddy leads relationships with clients to deliver high-performing workforce solutions across specialised technical and ICT environments.
Maddy Farrell (ICT Account Manager, Technology Workforce Solutions)
As Account Manager at face2face Recruitment, Maddy leads relationships with clients to deliver high-performing workforce solutions across specialised technical and ICT environments. She plays a critical role in placing professionals in key disciplines—from Data Scientists and Systems Analysts to Senior Infrastructure Engineers and Database Administrators.
Maddy brings a deep understanding of Australia’s dynamic job market, navigating the nuances of government panels, security clearances, and specialist skill requirements with precision. Taking a consultative approach, she works as a true partner to her clients, taking the time to understand their unique project milestones and team culture to deliver targeted talent quickly and accurately.
Known for her warm communication style, responsiveness, and sharp problem-solving skills, Maddy is dedicated to fostering long-term relationships and creating smooth, positive experiences for both hiring managers and job seekers.
Danielle Armitage
Team Leader and Account Manager
Major Accounts
As Team Leader and Account Manager at face2face, Danielle leads a fast-paced team delivering top talent for government administration and customer service roles with precision and speed.
Danielle Armitage (Divisional Manager, Major Accounts)
Danielle (Dani) leads our Major Accounts division, recruiting for high-volume, repeatable role-types. Major Accounts is focused on speed and accuracy of delivery on core government administration and customer service positions.
Danielle brings over a decade of experience in the recruitment industry building strong client partnerships, strategic thinking, and a genuine passion for connecting people with meaningful opportunities.
She has led high-performing teams and supported large-scale recruitment operations, always with a focus on delivering tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique needs. Danielle’s approach is consultative and strategic—she takes the time to understand business goals and works closely with stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes.
Known for her professionalism, integrity, and warm communication style, Danielle is passionate about creating positive experiences for both clients and candidates.
Kirby Riantoco
Talent Engagement Coordinator
Major Accounts
As part of the Major Accounts team, Kirby supports high-volume recruitment with a focus on compliance, communication, and coordination.
Kirby Riantoco (Talent Engagement Coordinator, Major Accounts)
As a Talent Engagement Coordinator in the Major Accounts team at face2face Recruitment, Kirby supports high‑volume recruitment activity through strong coordination, administration, and candidate engagement.
Kirby brings experience across recruitment, human resources, customer service, and project support roles, including prior experience working in recruitment teams and supporting end‑to‑end hiring processes. He assists with candidate communication, onboarding coordination, record management, and general recruitment administration, helping ensure a smooth and efficient experience for both candidates and hiring managers.
With a background spanning hospitality, HR recruitment, and large corporate project environments, Kirby is well‑equipped to manage competing priorities in fast‑paced settings. Known for his organised, flexible approach and strong stakeholder communication, he plays a key role in supporting the Major Accounts team to deliver timely, accurate, and people‑focused recruitment outcomes.
Kiyah Fallon
Scribe Manager
Recruitment Services
With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for people, Kiyah supports government recruitment with accuracy and care. Her experience spans project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and high-volume scribing services.
Kiyah Fallon (Scribe Manager)
Kiyah is a proactive and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in supporting federal government clients. She brings to face2face extensive experience spanning scribing coordination, project support, and stakeholder engagement.
She has successfully supported large-scale recruitment activities for federal government departments, including coordinating multi-scribe assignments and managing complex candidate engagement strategies. Kiyah’s strengths lie in her ability to manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and deliver results under pressure.
Kiyah is passionate about creating positive experiences for both clients and candidates, and she thrives in fast-paced environments where accuracy and responsiveness are key.