Senior Counsel - Benefits and Total Rewards

Tyson Foods

(Springdale AR)

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.

How to Apply

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