Senior Manager, Payroll

Senior Manager, Payroll & Benefits 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. Think independently, use your initiative, and take some risks. 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. 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. Lead the administration of all US and Canada benefit programs, including health and welfare plans, retirement programs, and leave-related benefits. Lead vendor selection processes, contract negotiations, and RFP activities. Financial Management & Analytics Manage payroll and benefits budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting. 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. 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. Bachelor's degree required. 7+ years of progressive experience managing payroll and benefits administration across a multi-state US environment and Canada 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. 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. 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.

We offer
a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, 13 paid holidays per year, medical/dental/vision insurance, basic life insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees. We achieve this by optimizing every lever of their commercial strategy
- product, price, innovation, marketing, and sales
- based on deep insights into what customers want and value. Our employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status. We believe in building a culture that embraces belonging, creating an environment in which our people feel valued, are able to be themselves and feel their contribution matters. Simon-Kucher North America Talent Acquisition Team