Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits

About the role

The North America Payroll & Benefits Senior Manager leads payroll, benefits, and related total rewards operations across the United States and Canada. The role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and an exceptional employee experience while supporting Simon‑Kucher’s continued growth. It partners closely with HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, vendors, and firm leadership to develop scalable processes, strengthen controls, manage risk, and drive strategic improvements.

Core Responsibilities

• Payroll Leadership & Compliance
  • Lead all payroll operations for US and Canada employees, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing.
  • Oversee payroll administration, reconciliations, audits, tax compliance, garnishments, and reporting.
  • Establish and maintain best‑in‑class payroll controls, governance processes, and operational procedures.
  • Manage payroll vendors and support ongoing payroll technology enhancements and process improvements.
• Benefits & Total Rewards Administration
  • Lead administration of all US and Canada benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and leave‑related benefits.
  • Partner with brokers and vendors to deliver competitive and cost‑effective benefit offerings.
  • Oversee annual open enrollment planning, communications, system updates, and employee education.
  • Provide guidance to employees regarding benefit eligibility, enrollment, and program utilization.
  • Provide guidance and support for LATAM benefits.
• Strategic Benefits & Total Rewards Leadership
  • Support development of North America benefits and total rewards strategies.
  • Conduct market benchmarking and analysis to inform program design and competitiveness.
  • Lead vendor selection processes, contract negotiations, and RFP activities.
  • Develop recommendations related to wellness initiatives, leave programs, executive benefits, and employee value proposition enhancements.
• Financial Management & Analytics
  • Manage payroll and benefits budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
  • Support headcount planning, labor cost analysis, accrual calculations, and executive reporting.
  • Develop dashboards, metrics, and analytics to support business and leadership decision‑making.
• Global Mobility & International Support
  • Oversee cross‑border payroll considerations, global mobility coordination, and international assignment payroll impacts.
  • Provide payroll and benefits oversight for LATAM operations in partnership with regional stakeholders.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, coach, and develop the Senior Payroll & Benefits Coordinator.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, customer service, and operational excellence.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for complex payroll and benefits matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7+ years of progressive experience managing payroll and benefits administration across a multi‑state US environment and Canada.
• 2+ years of people‑leadership experience.
• Success managing payroll, benefits, and related compliance activities within a partnership and/or equity‑ownership environment.
• Deep knowledge of payroll administration, including gross‑to‑net processing, payroll taxation, accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, provincial, and local employment regulations (FLSA, wage‑and‑hour laws, ERISA, FMLA, payroll tax requirements, employee benefit regulations).
• Experience developing and implementing payroll and benefits policies, processes, controls, and compliance frameworks in a complex, growing organization.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders, manage competing priorities, and drive organizational change.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make recommendations.
• Excellent consulting, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Experience working within matrixed and global organizations, partnering across HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, and external vendors.
• Exceptional organizational and project‑management skills.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically.
• CPP certification preferred.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $165,000 – $175,000 per year, with compensation varying based on experience, skills, geographic location, and business needs.

Benefits

• 401(k) & RRSP plans with company matching.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic life insurance.
• Paid time off and 13 paid holidays per year.
• Flexible working arrangements with a minimum of two days in the office each week.
• Professional development investment and career growth opportunities.
• Values‑driven culture focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and employee well‑being.