North America Payroll & Benefits Senior Manager

master-TMS•Chicago, IL

1d•$165,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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.
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 requirements, and 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 in a fast-paced environment.
Strong business acumen with the ability to align payroll, benefits, and total rewards programs with broader business objectives.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make recommendations based on business and financial metrics.
Excellent consulting, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence across all levels of the organization, including executive leadership.
Demonstrated experience working within matrixed and global organizations, partnering effectively across HR, Finance, Legal, Operations, and external vendors.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to operate both strategically and tactically, balancing day-to-day operational excellence with long-term process improvement and organizational growth initiatives.

Nice To Haves

CPP certification preferred

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.