People and Payroll Manager

Located at Chester Zoo, a new and exciting luxury lodge resort set in the grounds of Chester Zoo is opening August 2025. We are on the lookout for a People and Payroll Manager to join the team. Nestled in nature and designed to offer an unparalleled guest experience, the Reserve combines world-class amenities with a unique sense of adventure and tranquillity.

As we prepare for our grand opening, we are seeking an experienced People and Payroll Manager to lead our team and help shape the future of the hotel. Are you passionate about creating an exceptional employee experience in the hospitality industry? Do you have a talent for nurturing talent and fostering a positive workplace culture? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

The Role

As a People and Payroll Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our team culture, fostering a positive work environment, and driving our culture of excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain top talent in the hospitality industry.
• Collaborate with the wider Chester Zoo People & Culture team to ensure alignment of culture and employee experience across the group.
• Implement effective onboarding and orientation programs to ensure new hires have a smooth transition and feel connected to the organisation.
• Develop and deliver training and development programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.
• Partner with managers to create performance management processes, including goal setting, performance evaluations, and career development plans.
• Implement initiatives to improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, such as recognition programs, wellness initiatives, and team-building activities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and resource for employees, providing guidance on HR policies, procedures, and conflict resolution.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to continually enhance our talent management and culture initiatives.
• Maintain accurate HR records and reports, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Execute end-to-end payroll processing.
• Ensure rotas are completed on a weekly basis and help prepare weekly employee costs reports.
• Reconcile monthly payroll to weekly rotas, providing analysis behind the variances for monthly management reporting.
• Report to management on payroll issues and changes.

Requirements

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong generalist HR experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processing and employment laws.
• Proficiency in HR & payroll software.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hospitality environment.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Experience in managing shift-based payroll structures (overtime, holiday pay).
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Benefits:

• Pension Scheme: Gear up for the future with our pension scheme that ensures your financial stability.
• Heroic Employee Assistance Programme: We care about your well-being, which is why we offer an Employee Assistance Programme to provide support and guidance when life throws its curveballs.
• Fantastic Food & Beverage Discounts: Enjoy mouthwatering discounts at our partnered restaurants and bars.
• Mind-Blowing Employee Discount Rates: Get exclusive access to unbeatable travel discounts.
• Refer a Friend Scheme: Share the greatness of TROO Hospitality and enjoy bonuses for every new recruit.
• Long Service Incentives: Our Long Service Incentives honour your commitment with special rewards and recognition for your loyalty over the years.
• Team Member pass to visit the zoo during your time off.
• An amazing working environment - Where else can you see critically endangered animals from your office window or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?