Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits

Cornerstone OnDemand Ltd.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

RRSP matching

Job summary

Simon-Kucher is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits to lead US & Canada payroll, benefits, and total rewards. The role collaborates with HR, Finance, Legal and leadership to optimize processes, controls, and employee experience.

Hybrid in-office presence is required across major US cities, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. You will guide governance, analytics, and vendor relationships, driving strategic improvements while managing budgets and international payroll

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 7+ years of progressive payroll/benefits experience across multi-state US and Canada.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience managing payroll, benefits and related compliance in a partnership/equity environment.
• Deep knowledge of payroll administration, including gross-to-net.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations for US and Canada employees, ensuring timely, accurate payroll processing.
• Oversee benefits, retirement and leave-related programs; manage enrollment and education.
• Develop North America benefits/total rewards strategies and vendor negotiations.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting for payroll and benefits.
• Oversee cross-border payroll considerations and LATAM support.
• Lead and develop the Senior Payroll & Benefits Coordinator and improve controls.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Regulatory compliance

Benefits administration

Vendor management

Financial analytics

Global mobility

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

To support the teams working on our exciting projects, we are looking for

Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits

In the United States - Atlanta | Boston | Chicago | Houston | New York | San Francisco

The 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

Experience

• 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.
• 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