At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely payments for 1,500 team members.
- Company: Join Shepherd Neame, Brittain's oldest brewer with a rich history and vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days holiday, generous pension, and team member discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven payroll experience, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with fun company events and wellbeing resources.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join us as a Payroll Manager and ensure our 1,500 team members are paid accurately, on time, every time. You will lead the payroll function, streamline processes, and become a trusted expert across our Brewery, Support Office and Managed Houses. If you are detail-driven, proactive, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, you will take ownership of end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service for colleagues across the business. Reporting to the Financial Operations Manager, this role plays a key part in our continued growth. You will combine technical expertise with strong communication and relationship-building skills, working closely with the People Team, Finance, Retail Systems and operational leaders. Confidence, accuracy and collaboration will be essential as you lead the payroll team, manage complex processes, and drive continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Manage and deliver accurate end-to-end payrolls (two 4-weekly and two monthly).
- Ensure all salary, tronc and contractual changes are processed correctly.
- Complete month-end payroll journals and reconcile balance sheet accounts.
- Process court orders, statutory payments and other payroll deductions.
- Prepare tronc reports and maintain accurate records.
- Complete HMRC and pension reconciliations and submissions.
- Produce statutory documents such as P45s and P60s.
- Provide regular updates and insights to management.
- Maintain full compliance with UK payroll, tax and employment legislation.
- Support audits, ONS surveys, PSA submissions and HMRC queries.
- Lead upcoming transition to payrolling benefits (April 2027).
- Ensure National Minimum Wage compliance and robust payroll controls.
- Act as the main point of contact for payroll queries across the business.
- Offer clear guidance to managers on payroll policies and processes.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external providers to maintain high service levels.
Requirements
- Proven experience in a similar payroll role (hospitality experience ideal).
- Strong leadership and team-management skills.
- In-depth knowledge of payroll regulations, tronc administration and compliance.
- Excellent Excel skills and familiarity with Fourth Hospitality.
- High levels of integrity and discretion when managing sensitive data.
- Confidence working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusted relationships.
About the Company
Brittain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. An independent family business, we boast an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline. We employ around 1,500 team members across our pub estate and more than 270 at our Brewery and Support Office.
Benefits
- Competitive Pay - rewarding your skills and contribution.
- Holiday - 25 days plus bank holidays.
- Generous Pension - invest in your future.
- Life Insurance - 4x your salary (for members of the Pension Scheme).
- Team Member Discounts - enjoy savings in our pubs and hotels.
- Wellbeing Support - access to 24/7 GP, counselling and mental health resources.
- Fun Company Events - be part of a team that celebrates success.
Working Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. 08:30 - 17:00, Monday to Friday with 1 hour lunch (unpaid).
Payroll Manager employer: Shepherd Neame Ltd
Contact Detail:
Shepherd Neame Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and hospitality sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and compliance regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with payroll systems and how you've streamlined processes in the past. Confidence is key, so practice your responses!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led a team or improved payroll operations. Highlight your ability to build relationships across departments, as collaboration is crucial in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Shepherd Neame. Let's get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing payroll processes, compliance, and any relevant software skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for payroll management and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your leadership and communication skills.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Payroll Manager, accuracy is key. In your application, highlight instances where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it’s reconciling accounts or ensuring compliance, we want to know how you’ve nailed it in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shepherd Neame Ltd
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll regulations and compliance knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience, especially in hospitality, that demonstrate your expertise in managing end-to-end payroll processes.
✨Show Off Your Excel Skills
Since excellent Excel skills are a must for this role, prepare to showcase your proficiency. You might be asked to solve a problem or analyse data during the interview, so practice using formulas, pivot tables, and other advanced functions.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong communication is key in this role, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated payroll policies to managers or resolved queries from team members.
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Scenarios
This job thrives in a fast-paced environment, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed tight deadlines and complex processes. Highlight your proactive approach and any continuous improvement initiatives you've led in previous roles.