Senior Payroll & Benefits Leader — Global Mobility

Simon-Kucher; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

RRSP matching

Health benefits

PTO

13 holidays

Flexible working

Job summary

Simon-Kucher is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits to lead US/Canada payroll, benefits, and total rewards across North America. This role partners with HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, and vendors to shape scalable processes, manage risk, and drive improvements.

The position requires multi-state payroll expertise, leadership experience, and CPP certification preferred. The role offers hybrid work with at least two days in the office weekly, and a competitive benefits package including

Qualifications

• 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.
• Deep knowledge of payroll administration, including gross-to-net payroll processing, payroll taxation, payroll accounting, reconciliations, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead all payroll operations for US and Canada employees, ensuring timely, accurate 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Benefits administration

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Simon-Kucher is seeking a Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits to lead US/Canada payroll, benefits, and total rewards across North America. This role partners with HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, and vendors to shape scalable processes, manage risk, and drive improvements.

The position requires multi-state payroll expertise, leadership experience, and CPP certification preferred. The role offers hybrid work with at least two days in the office weekly, and a competitive benefits package including