Senior Manager, Payroll

Simon‑Kucher; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) & RRSP matching

Job summary

Simon-Kucher seeks a Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits to lead payroll, benefits, and total rewards for the US and Canada across multiple offices, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco. The role ensures accurate payroll, regulatory compliance, and an exceptional employee experience while partnering with HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, and vendors.

You will drive scalable processes, manage vendors, and develop analytics to support strategic decisions in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 7+ years in payroll and benefits administration in multi-state US and Canada
• 2+ years in people leadership
• Deep knowledge of payroll processing, taxation, reconciliations, and internal controls
• Strong understanding of US/Canada employment regulations (FLSA, ERISA, FMLA)

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations for US and Canada employees, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing
• Oversee payroll administration, reconciliations, audits, tax compliance, garnishments, and reporting
• Manage benefits programs, vendor relationships, and annual open enrollment planning
• Develop dashboards and analytics to support leadership decisions
• Support cross-border payroll considerations and LATAM coordination

Skills

Payroll leadership

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Benefits administration

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

To support the teams working on our exciting projects, we are looking forSenior Manager, Payroll & BenefitsIn the United States - Atlanta | Boston | Chicago | Houston | New York | San FranciscoThe North America Payroll & Benefits Senior Manager is responsible for leading payroll, benefits, and related total rewards operations across the United States and Canada. This role ensures payroll accuracy, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and an exceptional employee experience while supporting Simon-Kucher's continued growth.The position partners closely with HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, vendors, and firm leadership to develop scalable processes, strengthen controls, manage risk, and drive strategic improvements across payroll, benefits, and employee rewards programs.This position can be in one of Simon-Kucher’s Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York, or San Francisco office locations. Requires a minimum of two days in the office each week.What makes us special:Become part of a unique entrepreneurial team. Think independently, use your initiative, and take some risks. Entrepreneurship is a powerful force that drives the growth not only of our firm but our clients and people.Unlock the power of opportunity. Advance your career in a thriving company with a startup feel. We invest in your professional development every step of the way.Work in a values-driven culture. At Simon-Kucher, our vision is to become the world's leading growth specialist. Our values guide the way we do business and communicate our distinctiveness. They sum up what we stand for, influence our culture, and drive how and why we do things.Invest in your future. All US and Canadian employees enjoy 401(k) & RRSP benefits with company matching.Prioritize your health and well-being. No matter where you live, we offer a competitive suite of health benefits to help keep you and your loved ones safe.Enjoy balance and flexible working. Be empowered to do your best work – whether it’s from home or in the office.How you will create an impact:Core

Responsibilities

• Payroll Leadership & Compliance
• Lead all payroll operations for US and Canada employees, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing.
• Oversee payroll administration, reconciliations, audits, tax compliance, garnishments, and payroll-related 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 the 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 the 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.

About You

ExperienceBachelor's degree required.7+ years of progressive experience managing payroll and benefits administration across a multi-state US environment and Canada2+ years of people leadership experience.Demonstrated 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 payroll processing, payroll taxation, payroll accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.Strong understanding and practical application of federal, state, provincial, and local employment regulations, including FLSA, wage and hour laws, ERISA, FMLA, payroll tax requireme