Payroll Manager

Description:

SNDL Inc., one of Canada’s leading and fastest-growing liquor and cannabis companies, is seeking a skilled Payroll Manager to oversee and manage payroll operations for over 2,500 employees across multiple provinces. This pivotal role ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all payroll functions, while leading a dedicated payroll team and collaborating closely with HR, Finance, and IT departments.

This position is based at the Edmonton Corporate Office and offers hybrid working arrangements, combining on-site engagement with flexibility for remote work.

About the Company

SNDL Inc. stands as one of Canada’s largest private-sector retailers and vertically integrated cannabis producers. The company’s diverse portfolio includes top retail banners such as Wine and Beyond, Liquor Depot, Ace Liquor, Value Buds, Spiritleaf, and Superette, and award-winning cannabis brands such as Top Leaf, Contraband, Palmetto, Bon Jak, La Plogue, Versus, Grasslands, Vacay, Pearls by Grön, No Future, and Bhang Chocolate.

Driven by innovation, performance, and people, SNDL’s mission is to shape the future of retail and cannabis in Canada by connecting people through exceptional products and experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Oversight & Management

• Lead and approve full-cycle bi-weekly payroll for a workforce of 2,500+ employees across multiple provinces.

• Oversee salary changes, deductions, bonuses, adjustments, off-cycle payments, and year-end tax processes.

• Validate all payroll system transactions, including retroactive payments and deduction arrears.

• Maintain strict compliance with federal and provincial tax regulations, collective agreements, and SOX audit standards.

Auditing, Reporting & Compliance

• Conduct detailed payroll audits and produce accurate reports for internal and external stakeholders.

• Reconcile and prepare T4s, T2200s, and other year-end documentation for auditors and government agencies.

• Partner with U.S. payroll providers to ensure accurate processing for executives working cross-border, including FX rate applications.

• Ensure all internal controls and documentation meet third-party audit and compliance requirements.

System & Process Improvement

• Lead the implementation and enhancement of Payroll and HRIS systems (such as Workday).

• Collaborate with System Analysts, HR, and Payroll Coordinators to troubleshoot and optimize payroll operations.

• Develop, document, and improve operational procedures for efficient and scalable payroll management.

• Oversee system testing, upgrades, and validation for accuracy and efficiency.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management to the payroll team.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture within payroll operations.

• Deliver training and ongoing development for team members to ensure policy and compliance knowledge.

• Champion continuous improvement in payroll processes and cross-departmental communication.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR, Finance, and IT teams to ensure payroll accuracy and seamless integration of systems.

• Participate in business continuity planning, ensuring payroll resilience and operational stability.

• Serve as the subject matter expert for payroll policy interpretation and legislation updates.

Qualifications & Skills

• Extensive experience managing full-cycle payroll across multiple jurisdictions.

• Proficient in payroll systems (Workday or similar), reconciliations, and statutory reporting.

• Strong understanding of federal and provincial payroll legislation.

• Proven ability to lead teams, drive performance, and manage projects.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• High attention to detail and ability to meet critical deadlines under pressure.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with integrity.

Personal Characteristics

• Ethical, trustworthy, and committed to confidentiality.

• Proactive, detail-oriented, and solution-driven.

• Flexible and adaptable to evolving business needs.

• Collaborative team player with strong customer service orientation.

• Positive, professional attitude with a growth mindset.

Benefits

As a valued member of SNDL’s corporate team, you will enjoy:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonuses.

• Comprehensive benefits package with health and wellness coverage.

• Flexible hybrid work model, offering work-life balance.

• Generous vacation policy with annual rollover.

• Opportunities for career advancement in a fast-scaling organization.

• The chance to contribute to one of the largest regulated products platforms in North America.