Work Location
Edmonton Corporate OfficeAbout the Role
The Payroll & Benefits Manager is accountable for the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of payroll, group benefits, and workers’ compensation programs for more than 2,700 employees across multiple provinces. Operating within an outsourced delivery model, this role provides strategic oversight, ensures service-level performance, and acts as the organization’s subject-matter expert for payroll governance, benefits administration, and WCB compliance.
The Payroll and Benefits Manager partners closely with third‑party providers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure payroll, benefits, and WCB processes are executed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with legislative, audit, and organizational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Governance & Oversight
• Oversee and approve full-cycle bi‑weekly payroll delivered by the outsourced provider, including verification, reconciliations, remittances, and year‑end processes
• Ensure accurate processing of salary changes, deductions, bonuses, off‑cycle payments, and adjustments
• Validate complex payroll transactions such as retroactive payments, arrears, and taxable benefits
• Maintain compliance with provincial/federal legislation, collective agreements, and SOX/internal audit requirements
• Conduct regular payroll audits and prepare reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure internal controls are designed, implemented, and followed to meet third‑party audit standards
Year-End & Cross-Border Payroll
• Oversee reconciliation and preparation of T4s, T2200s, and all quarter/year‑end reporting
• Partner 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
Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement
• Lead payroll/HRIS system upgrades, enhancements, and configuration changes
• Conduct system testing, troubleshooting, and validation of payroll-related updates
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and System Analysts to resolve payroll issues and ensure data accuracy
• Develop, maintain, and optimize payroll procedures, documentation, and operational workflows
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery
Vendor Management & Stakeholder Collaboration
• Serve as the primary point of contact for outsourced payroll partners, ensuring service levels, quality standards, and escalation protocols are met
• Monitor vendor performance, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions where needed
• Provide guidance, training, and support to internal stakeholders on payroll processes, system updates, and compliance requirements
• Respond to payroll inquiries and provide expert interpretation of legislation, policy, and collective agreements
• Participate in business continuity planning and operational readiness activities
Qualifications & Skills
• Extensive experience in full-cycle payroll management, compliance, and reporting
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems (e.g., Workday), reconciliations, and multi‑jurisdictional legislative requirements
• Proven ability to manage outsourced service providers and hold vendors accountable to performance standards
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to navigate complex payroll scenarios
• Demonstrated capability in project management, process improvement, and technology adoption
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational strength, and communication proficiency
Personal Characteristics & Requirements
• Maintains confidentiality and models high ethical standards
• Demonstrated ability to meet critical deadlines in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive issues diplomatically
• Highly organized with strong time‑management skills
• Proactive problem-solver with a focus on resolution and operational excellence
• Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally
• Customer-service oriented with a positive, solutions-focused approach
This role is ideal for a strategic and detail-oriented payroll professional who thrives in dynamic environments and is committed to operational excellence and compliance integrity.
What Makes SNDL a Great Place to Grow:
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. We are committed to building a welcoming, inclusive, diverse and safe workplace where all of our team members have equal opportunity to succeed. We know this begins with recruitment. To honor our commitment, SNDL encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, ages and abilities.
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 Cost Cannabis.
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.