In Conversation With... Kirsty Triplett
Only nine months into her career at Leeds Heritage Theatres, our HR and Support Services Manager, Kirsty Triplett, tells us why no two days are the same, why coffee comes in handy, and shares helpful hints and tips for pursuing a career in HR.
Written by Kelly Scotney.
Describe a day in the life of a HR and Support Services Manager?
It’s one of those roles where people don’t always understand what you do and what the job title actually means. No two days ever look the same. Though some of my work is planned out, there’s a whole other side that is unplanned; not knowing what the day may bring or how I may start my morning – this is where coffee comes in handy first thing. Whether I’m meeting with people, providing advice and support, aiding recruitment and interviews, working strategically, or carrying out admin, every day is unique and that’s what makes HR such a fulfilling role.
What three skills do you think are most important in your role?
Three, mmm it’s tricky to whittle them down, however I would probably say communication, confidentiality and time management/organisation… can I have one more? Patience!
What is the most challenging thing about your role?
In HR we spend a lot of time ensuring everyone else is OK – improving engagement, trying to problem solve, create better and more efficient ways for a business to work – and can sometimes forget about ourselves. This is normal for HR, however It has been refreshing to have the support of both my line manager, Anne Harrison, who has certainly made my journey to date a good one, and the wider LHT family.
Kirsty Triplett
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about working as a HR and Support Services Manager?
It is certainly not a role that’s for everyone. The skills, attributes and characteristics required to perform and succeed in this role should be closely considered before taking the plunge into the HR world. I would certainly say having a passion for people, problem solving and dedication helps, as well as a commitment to developing others and yourself. HR isn’t just HR, as a professional you can choose to be a generalist who covers all areas of HR, or you can choose to specialise in a specific area e.g. recruitment, benefits, payroll etc. For me I love the variation of work, so it would always have to be a generalist role.
Kirsty’s Favourite Things
Favourite venue – The Grand, Varieties, Hyde Park? Why?
As I am yet to visit HPPH, and have only interviewed at the Varieties, I cannot comment just yet.
Favourite show/act/film you have seen at one of our venues?
Well, since working here I have only had the opportunity to see one show, Rob Beckett, which was absolutely amazing… I’ve not laughed so much in a long time.
Favourite thing to do on your day off?
What’s a day off (haha)? When I finish my job as a HR Manager, I then resume being a Mum, but when I can get some me time I enjoy a bit of zen, pampering or a cheeky coffee shop to people watch.
Favourite job – other than your current role?!
General Manager for Bella Italia. The buzz I got when we were busy, when the team were ‘on it’, when our P&L’s were in green and we achieved the first six food safety award in the chain. However, 60/70hr working weeks over seven days, whilst being a Mum, wasn’t something I could continue with. This led me to rethink my career path, transferring my skills and knowledge into a different area. And here I am today! Now, I would never look back and I am in a job I thoroughly enjoy, that is both satisfying and compliments my life.
Kirsty Triplett in Leeds Grand Theatre's auditorium
