Payroll Manager

Work Location

About SNDL

SNDL is one of Canada’s leading and fastest-growing liquor and cannabis companies. As the country’s largest private-sector retailer, our portfolio includes well-known banners such as Wine and Beyond, Liquor Depot, Ace Liquor, Value Buds, Spiritleaf, and Superette.

We’re also one of Canada’s largest vertically integrated cannabis producers, recognized for our innovation, low-cost manufacturing, and award-winning brands including Top Leaf, Contraband, Palmetto, Bon Jak, La Plogue, Versus, Grasslands, Vacay, Pearls by Grön, No Future, and Bhang Chocolate.

Driven by purpose, performance, and people, SNDL is shaping the future of retail and cannabis by bringing people together through exceptional products and experiences.

About the Role

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the full-cycle payroll process for over 2,500 employees across multiple provinces. This role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, and the effective implementation of payroll systems and policies. The Payroll Manager leads a high-performing team, drives continuous improvement, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to enhance payroll operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and approve full-cycle bi-weekly payroll, including verification, account reconciliations, remittances, and year-end tax processes
• Ensure accurate processing of salary changes, deductions, bonuses, off-cycle payments, and adjustments
• Validate payroll system transactions, including retroactive payments and deduction arrears
• Maintain compliance with tax regulations, collective agreements, and SOX audit requirements
• Conduct payroll audits and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure internal controls are in place and followed to meet third-party audit standards
• Reconcile and prepare T4s, T2200s, and other quarter/year-end reporting for auditors and government agencies
• Collaborate with third-party providers to support T4 preparation for U.S. executives, ensuring accurate percentage splits based on days worked in Canada and the U.S.
• Prepare bi-weekly payroll for U.S. executives using estimated workdays and applicable FX rates
• Lead implementation of Payroll/HRIS system upgrades and enhancements
• Conduct system testing, troubleshooting, and validation of payroll-related changes
• Partner with System Analysts, HR, and Payroll Coordinators to resolve payroll issues
• Develop and manage operational procedures for efficient payroll function
• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to the Payroll Team
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement in payroll policies and practices
• Deliver training and guidance on payroll procedures, system updates, and compliance
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance team environment
• Maintain payroll reports, reconciliations, and documentation for internal and external use
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and IT to ensure accurate and timely payroll data
• Respond to payroll inquiries and provide guidance on legislation and policy
• Participate in business continuity and operational planning
• Champion new initiatives with internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications & Skills

• Extensive experience in full-cycle payroll management, compliance, and reporting
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems (e.g., Workday), reconciliations, and legislative requirements
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities
• Proven ability to manage projects, drive process improvements, and adapt to technology changes
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and communication proficiency

Personal Characteristics & Requirements

• Maintains confidentiality and models high ethical standards
• Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with diplomatic handling of sensitive issues
• Highly organized with effective time management under high-volume conditions
• Proactive problem-solver with a focus on resolution and efficiency
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently
• Strong customer service orientation and positive attitude
• Flexible and adaptable to the evolving needs of a growing organization

As a valued member of the SNDL team, you will enjoy:

• Be part of one of the largest regulated products platforms in North America.
• Competitive compensation package, performance bonuses, and benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement in a fast-scaling organization.
• Generous Vacation policy and annual vacation rollover.
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements.

We are grateful for the interest in this role from all candidates, however, we will be contacting only those that are selected for next steps in the hiring process.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

SNDL is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and safe workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.