Sr. Counsel, Executive Compensation and Benefits

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Counsel, Executive Compensation and Benefits to lead the design, governance, and legal oversight of executive compensation programs and broad-based compensation and benefits programs in a dynamic, high-growth environment. This role will be a critical partner to Legal, Finance, HR, and the Board, ensuring compensation practices are competitive, compliant, and aligned with evolving corporate governance and stakeholder expectations. This is a strategic role for a legal expert who brings deep experience in executive compensation as well as broad-based compensation and benefits frameworks and thrives in organizations undergoing significant scale and increased regulatory complexity. RESPONSIBILITIES Executive Compensation Strategy & Design Advise on the structure and design of executive compensation programs, including base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives, and retention agreements. Partner with HR and Compensation teams to align programs with business strategy, performance outcomes, and market practices. Support benchmarking against peer companies and evolving market standards. Governance & Disclosure Lead preparation and review of executive compensation disclosures and related materials for external stakeholders, as applicable. Ensure alignment with best practices in transparency, pay-for-performance, and stakeholder communication. Advise on emerging trends in executive compensation governance and investor expectations. Board & Committee Support Serve as primary legal advisor to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors Prepare and review meeting materials, resolutions, and governance documentation. Provide guidance on governance best practices and evolving developments relating to compensation and benefits. Equity & Incentive Plan Management Oversee the legal aspects of equity and incentive plan design, implementation, and administration. Draft and review equity award agreements, plan documents, and amendments. Ensure compliance with applicable tax, securities, and accounting requirements. Employee Benefits Provide legal guidance on qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, and fringe benefits. Advise on compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable federal and state benefits laws. Review plan documents, SPDs, amendments, and participant communications. Assist with benefits issues arising in mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and workforce transactions. Regulatory & Compliance Advise on executive compensation-related legal and regulatory requirements, including securities laws, tax rules, and disclosure obligations. Monitor regulatory developments and proactively update internal practices and policies. Partner cross-functionally to ensure consistent and compliant execution of compensation programs. Cross-Functional Leadership Collaborate with Legal, HR, Finance, Payroll, and external advisors to support compensation initiatives. Manage outside counsel and compensation consultants as needed. Provide guidance and training on compensation governance and compliance. EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS JD from an accredited law school Active bar membership in good standing EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS 10+ years of relevant legal experience, including executive compensation and benefits Experience supporting Board-level compensation governance and committee processes Strong knowledge of executive compensation disclosure frameworks, equity compensation structures, and tax and regulatory requirements. Experience in a public company or advising on public-company standards is strongly preferred. Experience in consumer, retail, or QSR environments is a plus. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. We’re made up of some of the world’s most iconic restaurant brands, but we’re much more than just a restaurant company. We’re a team of hundreds of thousands who individually and collectively are changing the way people eat, drink, and gather around the table. We know that food is much more than a staple—it’s an experience. At Inspire, that’s our purpose: to ignite and nourish flavorful experiences.