What is your new role?
Head of HR for Rileys, which operates pool and snooker clubs.
Where were you working before and what were your duties?
I worked briefly for Asda as a people manager. I managed the HR function within a large 24-hour store.
What qualifications do you hold?
CIPD qualification and a BA honours degree.
What are the duties in your new role?
I’m responsible for the HR strategy, including training, recruitment and all the day-to-day HR issues. I have a team of five and I report to the operations director.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
To meet the needs of the business by ensuring our recruitment processes, internal training and development programmes produce quality candidates for our expansion plans.
What are the challenges HR faces in the next five years?
Meeting and exceeding the demands and needs of the business. Keeping abreast of new legislation.
What advice would you give to people starting out in HR?
Don’t just concentrate on HR – get a broad business knowledge so that you can fully support the business.
What is the essential tool in your job?
A sense of humour.
And the most overrated?
E-mail – it’s not always reliable.
What is the worst thing about HR?
Making people redundant.
What is the strangest situation you have been in at work?
Having a light projector explode while delivering an important presentation.
Who is your ultimate guru?
I do not have a guru. I take bit of advice from people who I respect and trust, then make up my own mind.
What is the most annoying piece of management jargon?
Best practice. Businesses should focus on best fit instead.
Who would you most dislike to work with?
Anyone who is constantly negative or works very slowly.
How do you fill your spare time?
Relaxing with friends, enjoying good food and wine.
What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Leaving Rileys to join Asda – as it turns out is was a big mistake. However, on my return to Rileys I was promoted, so everything happens for a reason.
What song gets you on the dance floor?
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson.
Who would play you in the film of your life and why?
Sandra Bullock. She seems to be a wacky kind of girl – quite similar to me.
What is the worst (or best) office party you’ve ever attended?
Rileys always has fantastic parties every year. The one when all of the managers went to Prague was amazing.
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
Gordon Ramsay – his colourful language would be entertaining.
Bryant’s CV
April 2006-present: Head of HR, Rileys
August 2005-March 2006: HR manager, Rileys
June 2005-August 2005: People manager, Asda
December 2001-May 2005: HR manager, Rileys
September 2000-November 2001: Personnel officer,Scuffs
September 1998-August 2000: Personnel officer, Brunelcare
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