Payroll Manager

Join us as a Payroll Manager and ensure our 1,500 team members are paid accurately, on time, every time. You’ll lead the payroll function, streamline processes, and become a trusted expert across our Brewery, Support Office and Managed Houses.

If you’re detail‑driven, proactive, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment, you’ll 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’ll 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.

Why Join Shepherd Neame?

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)

What you'll do:

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

What You'll Need:

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

Shepherd Neame may be Britain’s oldest brewer but our approach is anything but old-fashioned. We are an authentic, independent business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive based on the following Sheps Skills:

Working Together
Pride and Passion
Authenticity
Sheps Spirit

Who are we?
Britain’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.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion matter to Shepherd Neame. If you think you would be suited this role we would welcome your application regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.