Karina Oliva

Strategic, hands-on Human Resources executive with 20+ years of experience leading people operations across multi-state, multi-unit organizations. Trusted advisor to executives during periods of growth, restructuring, and business transition, including M&A readiness and organizational sales. Proven strength in employee relations, compliance, workforce planning, and operational execution. Known for stabilizing organizations, mitigating risk, and leading with clarity and discretion. Bilingual in English and Spanish. Methodical director with several years of comprehensive experience overseeing daily operations of company or organization. Hardworking and versatile professional well-versed in executing business strategies, preparing and implementing business plans and overseeing financial performance. Thorough knowledge of market changes and trends paired with strong grasp of corporate finance and performance measures. Seasoned Director with background in strategic planning, team leadership, and performance optimization. Known for driving company growth by developing efficient operational strategies and fostering professional relationships. Demonstrated abilities in problem solving, decision making, and communication skills to influence key stakeholders. Proven record of delivering innovative solutions and achieving organizational goals. Motivational leader and organizational problem-solver with advanced supervisory, team building and customer service skills. Experience stepping into roles and quickly making positive changes to drive company success. Focused on using training, monitoring and morale-building techniques to maximize employee engagement and performance.

• People & HR Strategy
• Organizational Design
• Change & Transition Leadership
• M&A / Transaction Support
• Employee Relations & Investigations
• California Labor Law
• Workforce Planning
• HR Compliance & Risk Mitigation
• Executive Coaching
• HRIS (Workday, ADP Workforce Now, Kronos)
• Payroll & Benefits
• Safety & Workers’ Compensation
• Bilingual (English & Spanish)

• Director of Human Resources, Hestan Commercial Corporation, 01/01/22, 12/31/25, Led enterprise-wide HR strategy in close partnership with executive leadership., Supported manufacturing, supply chain, and service operations with hands-on HR leadership., Directed workforce planning, staffing, compliance, employee relations, and safety programs., Served as escalation point for complex investigations and sensitive employee relations matters., Partnered with Finance and Operations on labor forecasting, headcount planning, and productivity initiatives., Managed HR systems (Workday, ADP) and improved onboarding, manager tools, and performance cycles.
• Employee Relations Partner, Glidewell Dental, 01/01/21, 12/31/22, Primary HR partner for 600+ employees across multiple departments., Conducted complex investigations in partnership with Legal and Compliance., Advised leaders on discipline, accommodations, performance management, and California labor law.
• Regional HR Business Partner, MC LLC dba Jiffy Lube & T&T Taco, LLC dba Taco Bell, 01/01/16, 12/31/21, Supported 24 high-volume, multi-unit retail locations across Southern California., Led employee relations, investigations, recruiting, onboarding, and benefits administration., Partnered with franchise leadership to ensure consistent HR practices and compliance.
• Senior HR Generalist, Comercial Mexicana, 01/01/08, 12/31/15, Sole HR leader for a 150-employee retail operation., Managed recruiting, payroll, benefits, employee relations, compliance, and training.