Tyson Foods

Senior Counsel- Benefits and Total Rewards

Tyson Foods • $120K — $145K *
Springdale, AR 72764In-Person
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Law degree from an accredited institution and active license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • 5-7 years legal experience focused on ERISA and employee benefits.
  • Experience with M&A benefits due diligence and integration favored.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for advising management on complex matters.
  • Proficient in standard computer skills and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

  • Provide legal counsel on ERISA and employee benefits matters including retirement and health plans.
  • Draft and review plan documents, amendments, and participant communications.
  • Advise on fiduciary responsibilities and manage audit responses from agencies like IRS and DOL.
  • Support M&A transactions, identifying benefits-related risks and integration strategies.
  • Collaborate with various departments on benefits plan design and administration.
  • Negotiate vendor service agreements related to benefit programs and provide training on compliance.
  • Manage relationships with outside counsel for efficient legal support.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance eligibility.
  • Participation in 1st shift work schedule.
  • Opportunity for professional development and training.
Full Job Description
Job Details:

Tyson Foods is seeking a Senior Counsel-Benefits and Total Rewards to join its People Law team within the Tyson Law Department, with a direct reporting relationship to the Principal Benefits Counsel. This position is based at our Tyson on Thompson building in Springdale, Arkansas, and serves as a primary legal advisor to the company's Employee Benefits and Total Rewards teams. The ideal candidate brings 5-7 years of focused experience in ERISA and employee benefits law, with the ability to handle sophisticated matters across qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and M&A benefits integration. A combination of law firm and in-house experience is strongly preferred.

The position requires an attorney who can work independently, exercise sound judgment, communicate complex legal issues clearly to business clients, and manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced, large-employer environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Benefits & ERISA Counsel

Provide day-to-day legal counsel on complex ERISA and employee benefits matters, including:
  • Qualified retirement plans - defined contribution (401(k)), defined benefit pension, and multi-employer pension plan matters
  • Health and welfare plans - ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, FSA/HSA, and other mandates generally applicable to self-funded and fully insured H&W plans
  • Non-qualified deferred compensation arrangements
  • Stock incentive and equity compensation plans
  • Draft and review plan documents, amendments, summary plan descriptions, trust agreements, and participant-facing communications
  • Advise on benefit plan governance and fiduciary responsibilities, including Benefits Committee support, claims and appeals strategy, and board resolutions
  • Manage and coordinate responses to IRS, DOL, and PBGC audits, investigations, and agency inquiries
  • Monitor legislative, regulatory, and case law developments; proactively brief internal clients on compliance impacts


M&A Benefits Integration
  • Support M&A transactions with cross-functional teams from due diligence through post-close integration, identifying benefits-related liabilities and risks and assisting with the development of integration strategies for impacted employee populations


Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Serve as a trusted legal partner to HR, Finance, Tax, and Total Rewards teams on benefits plan design, administration, and vendor relationships
  • Draft and negotiate vendor services agreements and statements of work related to benefit and compensation programs
  • Provide training to HR and stakeholder groups on benefit plan requirements, compliance obligations, and regulatory developments
  • Manage outside counsel relationships to ensure strategic and cost-effective legal support


REQUIREMENTS
  • Education: Law degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
  • Experience: 5-7 years of legal experience with a primary focus on ERISA, qualified retirement plans, and health and welfare benefits. In-house experience is a plus. M&A benefits due diligence and integration experience preferred. A combination of law firm and corporate practice is strongly preferred.
  • Computer Skills: Standard computer skills required; proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
  • Communication Skills: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advise senior management clearly and concisely on complex legal matters.
  • Special Skills: Collaborative team player with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. Must be capable of working independently, exercising sound judgment, and responding to internal clients in a timely manner. Ability to manage outside counsel on benefits matters is required.
  • Supervisory: Manage outside counsel; no direct reports.
  • Travel: Some travel may be required.


Relocation Assistance Eligible:
Yes

Work Shift:
1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods scientifically formulated feed, and technical assistance on subjects like sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. They serve hash browns stuffed with ham and cheese, sausage simple scrambles, bacon simple scrambles, formed pork sausage patties, sausage and egg pancake sandwich with maple syrup, wrapped whole grain apple cinnamon pancake, and more.

Tyson Foods Careers

Joining Tyson Foods means becoming part of one of the world’s leading food companies, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality. At Tyson Foods, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that empower you to grow both personally and professionally. Work You’ll Do At Tyson Foods, you’ll contribute to a team that values leadership, diversity, and innovation. Our commitment to these principles makes us a top choice for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the food industry. Whether you’re involved in operations, marketing, research, or any of our other departments, your work will help us continue to feed the world in the most efficient and sustainable ways possible. Join our dynamic team and help us transform the industry through cutting-edge innovation and a commitment to excellence that’s second to none. Career Growth and Development Tyson Foods is dedicated to the professional growth of our employees. We offer a variety of leadership and diversity training programs designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. With Tyson, your career trajectory is limitless, supported by development opportunities that ensure you’re always moving forward. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Tyson Foods internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience, offering a glimpse into the culture and operations of a global leader. Interns at Tyson Foods work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in the food industry. Benefits of Working at Tyson Foods Choose a career with Tyson Foods and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life, and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, and more. We believe in nurturing our team not only professionally but also personally. Inclusive Culture At Tyson Foods, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and we strive to create a workplace where all employees can thrive. Join Our Team Explore the job opportunities at Tyson Foods today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for new team members who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Tyson Foods by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives and industry-leading insights that can help you in your job search and beyond. Networking and Professional Opportunities At Tyson Foods, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. Connect with leaders and peers within the company through various networking events and platforms. Enhance your resume, prepare for your next interview, and build relationships that could shape the future of your career. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Tyson Foods. Join Tyson Foods and be part of a company that’s leading the way in the food industry through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and sustainability. Your future starts here!
Learn more about Tyson Foods
Size
137,000 employees
Market Cap
$22 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$1.9 billion
Founded
1935
5 Year Trend
+6.8%
Revenue
$42.8 billion
NASDAQ
TSN
* Ladders Estimates

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