Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Senior Manager – US Benefits

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Chicago • Illinois • United States

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Salary

💰 $137,500 - $182,129 per year

Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Direct and govern the administration of the company’s KSOP (combined 401(k) and ESOP) plan ensuring alignment with company objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Drive end-to-end plan operations, including eligibility, contributions, distributions, vesting schedules, plan documentation, and compliance testing – by partnering with Finance and third-party administrators to ensure flawless execution.
  • Oversee and approve all forms of employer contributions, including core, transition, and matching contributions, ensuring accuracy and fiscal responsibility.
  • Establish and enforce processes for diversification, segregation and distribution requests ensuring compliance with plan terms and operational excellence.
  • Provide strategic oversight of the uncashed check process, establishing governance protocols and ensuring timely resolution and full compliance with escheatment requirements.
  • Champion compliance with ERISA, IRS, DOL, and other regulations by maintaining retirement plan documents, driving updates and amendments, and coordinating with legal counsel and third-party administrators.
  • Direct annual audits, government filings (e.g., Form 5500), and participant communications related to KSOP benefits, ensuring timely, accurate and transparent reporting.
  • Develop and present detailed financial models and forecasts to inform KSOP budgeting, repurchase obligations, contribution scenarios, cash flow projections, and ESOP liabilities.
  • Oversee reconciliations of plan contributions and distributions, ensuring accuracy of plan balances and supporting Finance in audit readiness.
  • Lead ad-hoc strategic projects related to the KSOP plan, including planning and execution of annual “KSOP Days” events to enhance team member engagement.
  • Provide strategic leadership in designig, implementing and evaluating all U.S. benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, leave of absence, and COBRA ensuring alignment with the company’s Total Rewards philosophy and long-term business objectives.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of progressive experience in U.S. benefits strategy and administration, including 5+ years in a leadership role with demonstrated ability to influence organizational benefits strategy and governance.
  • Deep technical knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FMLA, etc.), including KSOP plan forecasting, modeling, compliance testing, eligibility audits, participant diversification oversight, distribution processes, and contribution calculations. Skilled in interpreting and applying regulatory changes to plan operations.
  • Proven track record of vendor governance, including negotiating contracts, managing performance, and driving accountability with third-party administrators.
  • Excellent project leadership and communication skills - able to present to senior leadership, influence decision making and lead cross functional initiatives with clarity and impact.
  • Excellent analytical skills and financial acumen, particularly in retirement and benefit plan data analysis. Ability to leverage data insights for strategic planning, continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and discretion with experience managing sensitive and confidential information at an enterprise level.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft applications (Teams, SharePoint, Office applications, etc), with expert-level Excel skills for modeling and analysis.
  • Ability to travel as required.
  • Preferred: 3+ years of experience in ESOP administration, including strategic oversight of plan operations and governance.

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard skills
benefits strategyKSOP plan forecastingcompliance testingeligibility auditsparticipant diversification oversightdistribution processescontribution calculationsvendor governancedata analysisfinancial modeling
Soft skills
project leadershipcommunication skillsinfluencing decision makingcross functional initiativesanalytical skillsattention to detaildiscretionstrategic planningcontinuous improvementrisk mitigation