Associate Senior Counsel - Benefits & Employment (HYBRID/NJ).001

A global pharmaceutical company located in North NJ seeks an Associate Senior Counsel - Benefits & Employment who will be responsible for providing counsel on benefits and compensation issues. The hybrid schedule is three (3) days remote and two (2) days in the office. The base salary is $215K- $220K with benefits, 20% target bonus and LTI (additional cash).  Relocation considered for exceptional candidates.

Primary Duties:

The Associate Senior Counsel - Benefits & Employment report to the Associate General Counsel, Employment, and be primarily responsible for providing counsel on benefits and compensation issues to the Human Resources Department and the employment law team. While this position will primarily focus on providing benefits law counseling, it will also require providing employment law support to other internal business clients as well as supplement the employment law group in other areas as needed. Providing advice and counsel on day-to-day ERISA, benefits and tax related questions and issues related to the design and administration of benefit and compensation programs. You will also be required to provide advice and counsel to the Human Resources Department and assigned business units on employment law issues involving performance management, employee relations, discrimination, harassment and other EEO matters, staff augmentation considerations, conducting and advising on internal investigations and training employees. You will work closely with the Benefits & Compensation Group within the Human Resources Department and additional responsibilities include the following: 

• Counsel on plan design and drafting, tax and other compliance issue, fiduciary and investment issues, and HIPAA privacy compliance.

• Provide guidance on the review of various benefit related documents, including Plan documents, Summary Plan Descriptions and Summary Material Modifications

• Take the lead in drafting and negotiating retirement, health and welfare and other fringe benefit ASO/vendor contracts.

• Counsel on and ensure compliance with all compensation related requirements.

Requirements:

• Degree from accredited law school

• At least 7+ years of experience as a practicing, licensed ERISA/benefits practitioner (with substantial client contact and responsibility).

• Member in good standing of a US state bar.

• Experience and knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations is preferred.

• Ability to learn quickly and operate in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

• Able to participate on key teams and be involved in key projects.

• Excellent level of oral and written communication skills, able to effectively present ideas, counsel and information to others

• Applicant must have an interest in participating in diversified, fast paced, multidimensional pharmaceutical law practice with significant counseling work.

• Ability to multitask, and to "switch gears" quickly is critical.

• Must be a team player who is collaborative and resourceful.

• Applicant must be able to identify and research legal risks and issues, and effectively counsel clients regarding same.

• Applicant must be able to facilitate communication among and education of clients regarding the impact of benefit law on business operations.

• Applicant must be comfortable dealing with all levels of personnel and must be solution-and client-oriented.

• Applicant must be willing and able to develop skills as an employment practitioner and also to learn and develop and practice as a pharmaceutical lawyer.