Risk Management
A bold move proved very successful! During Covid, PPS Human Resources Manager Melissa Ristovski quit her full-time job in social services to pursue an MBA. She never looked back.
“I learned the ins-and-outs of the different functions of business administration. I often reflect on the learning outcomes and apply what I learn everyday here, at PPS,” Ristovski said. Her human resources specialization helped her to develop a strong theoretical base to apply to the work she does in the field.
Human resources managers provide administrative support to management regarding all personnel matters and help to bridge the gap between plant personnel and management. “This position is dynamic,” said Ristovski, who usually begins her day by reviewing items, completing smaller tasks and tackling upcoming projects. “At times, you may have a plan of what your day will look like, but sometimes an event may arise that needs to be addressed or resolved in the moment,” she said.
Ristovski joined in January 2024 and loves being a member of the PPS team. “The people, environment and the work that I do excites me,” she said, adding that she enjoys building connections between PPS and MPW plant and management team members. “I’m passionate about the exciting projects I get to work on, and I enjoy assisting with Canadian human resources policy development.”
In fact, there’s really nothing Ristovski dislikes or would change about her new position with PPS. Prior to joining, she primarily worked in the manufacturing industry as an employee relations associate, and later as a disability management specialist. “Both experiences helped me become a well-rounded human resources manager,” she said.
She explained that a “well-rounded” human resources manager has sharp interpersonal and communication skills to successfully navigate employee relations or when delivering difficult messages. The position also requires strategic thinking, and the ability to see the “big picture” among the daily details, as well as openness to giving and receiving constructive criticism and objective feedback.
When not navigating employee relations, Ristovski enjoys baking, spending quality time with her family, hanging out with her brothers—she’s a triplet—and attending local events with her friends.