In our latest Chats on the Chesterfield, I sat down with Melissa Parker, HR & Office Manager at MSP Capital. I learned how she manages the demands of a dual role, oversees two departments, and still finds time to enjoy life outside of work.
Juggling HR and office
As the HR & Office Manager at MSP Capital, Melissa’s days are anything but predictable—something she embraces with calm capability and a sense of humour.
“I’m responsible for overseeing HR and the office department,” she explains. “It’s quite varied. Things pop up when you least expect them. A lot of the jobs I do are reactive—something comes up, and you just have to drop what you’re doing and sort it out.”
That juggling act is second nature now, but Melissa’s journey to this point wasn’t a straight line. She joined MSP Capital nearly four years ago as an Office Manager, with a growing team, her role quickly expanded. “When I started, there wasn’t a full HR department,” she recalls. “As we were growing, it became clear there were processes we needed to create, and so gradually, I helped set up HR department from scratch.”
Fast-forward to today, and Melissa leads a team of three, covering office, reception with a newly built HR department that continues to evolve. “I feel quite proud of what I’ve achieved. I didn’t think I would be doing this when I first started here.”
Before her time at MSP Capital, Melissa had already honed her dual-role skills. She worked at a local estate agency as both HR and Office Manager for five years—until COVID-19 required the company to make redundancies. After a temporary job in Customer Services, a recruiter contacted Melissa for the role at MSP.
It turned out to be a perfect match. Not only did the position suit her skill set, but it allowed Melissa to grow in directions she hadn’t expected. “I’ve been able to be more strategic, and I’ve got a great team around me. Maria and Chelsea are helping with the office side now, which frees me up for HR projects with Maddie.”
Team dynamic is something Melissa holds dear. “I didn’t imagine I’d end up managing a team, but now I’ve got three people under me, and it’s been so rewarding watching the department grow.”
Championing workplace wellbeing
Melissa is also an active member of MSP’s Wellbeing Committee, a role that aligns naturally with her work in HR and her passion for creating a supportive workplace culture. “I love being on the committee,” she says. “We’ve done some nice initiatives—just small things that make people feel valued.”
As one of the founding members of the group, Melissa has helped drive a range of thoughtful initiatives aimed at supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of MSP staff. The committee emphasises making wellbeing a consistent and meaningful part of life at MSP through various activities. These include organising Employee Appreciation Day and Men’s and Women’s Mental Health workshops, as well as lighter moments like surprise smoothie bowls or impromptu ice cream visits.
It’s not just about events—it’s about creating an environment where people feel looked after and recognised. “We’re always thinking about how we can do something a bit different,” she adds. “It’s those moments that show people they’re appreciated and that their wellbeing matters.”
Now in its third year running, the committee continues to evolve its approach—finding creative ways to boost morale, open up important conversations, and make sure MSP remains a place where people genuinely feel good coming to work.
From HR to homelife
Outside the office, Melissa is Dorset born and bred. “I was born in Bournemouth and always lived in the area. I like being near the beach—I’ve never felt the need to move away.” That said, she wouldn’t say no to a sunnier postcode: “I’d quite happily move abroad. Somewhere warm!”
Family is a major part of Melissa’s life. She’s a proud grandmother to Charlie, with another grandchild on the way this September. “Charlie’s getting older now—less cuddly, more into Pokémon and football. I’m trying to keep up! But I’ll get cuddles again with the new baby,” she says, smiling.
Weekends are a time for winding down with her partner Rich. “We both love films, so we’ll always find one to watch. He’s great at cooking—I’m very lucky, I come home to dinner every night. And he likes making cocktails too—he’ll experiment with a new one each weekend.”
Their shared love of travel has taken them to some unforgettable destinations, but one trip stands out. “We went to Milan to see the Grand Prix, and Charles Leclerc won for Ferrari. It was amazing—Rich’s dream came true. That one’s definitely the most memorable.”
Melissa’s journey at MSP Capital is one of growth, balance, and care, not only for her team, but for her workplace, and the people around her. Whether she’s building HR processes, boosting wellbeing, or unwinding with family and a cocktail in hand, Melissa leads with warmth and intention. It’s clear that her thoughtful presence leaves a lasting impact, both in and out of the office.
