Melissa joined BESIX Watpac in 2018 and was appointed to the role of Group Contracts Manager in 2021. Melissa manages and oversees the team nationally and successfully advises on, and negotiates, large and complex projects in the private and public sectors. Prior to joining BESIX Watpac, Melissa was an in-house legal counsel and a contracts manager at one of Australia’s largest diversified property groups. Melissa specialises in risk and strategy, bringing a wealth of operational and commercial experience to this role. She is passionate about construction and managing contractual risks while providing strategic and commercial solutions to the organisation.

Her passion for change also extends to equality in the workplace and at home. She is the president of the Portuguese Australian Women's Association NSW and has become the champion of BESIX Watpac's International Women's Day and Lean In Circles program designed to empower women, create networks, and build professional resilience.

Melissa also holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws from UNSW.