Compensation & Benefits Integration Project Manager

Overview

The Compensation & Benefits Integration Project Manager will manage the employee benefits, compensation, and payroll workstreams associated with the firm’s mergers and acquisitions and international growth initiatives. This role will partner closely with the Growth team, Human Resources, Legal, Payroll, regional HR teams, and other stakeholders to assess risk, develop integration plans, and deliver a smooth transition for employees and their families. The position will serve as a key point of contact throughout the deal lifecycle, from due diligence through post-close integration activities.

 

Kimley-Horn is looking for a dynamic and energetic Compensation & Benefits Integration Project Manager based in our Raleigh, North Carolina (NC) office. This role will manage the firm's employee benefit program. This is not a remote position. 

Responsibilities

• M&A leadership: Lead the benefits, compensation, and payroll workstreams for domestic and international transactions, partnering closely with the Growth team and participating in deal and integration meetings.
• Due diligence: Conduct comprehensive due diligence of benefit programs, compensation practices, payroll arrangements, employment obligations, and related employee risks; summarize findings and recommend practical solutions.
• Integration planning: Develop and manage detailed workplans, timelines, process documents, decision logs, and employee transition materials from pre-close planning through post-close implementation.
• Compensation and payroll transitions: Map employee pay, and related changes; coordinate implementation with HR and Payroll; and partner with HR leaders on compensation decisions.
• Legal and compliance coordination: Work with internal and external employment counsel, consultants, vendors, and other subject-matter experts as needed to support compliant and consistent decisions.
• Employee education and support: Plan and facilitate employee meetings that explain new benefits, pay, payroll, and transition processes.
• Individual consultation: Provide one-on-one guidance to transitioning employees their families to help them understand available programs and required actions.
• Regional partnership: Serve as a trusted partner to regional HR teams by providing integration guidance, training, tools, and ongoing support.
• International growth: Support international initiatives, including due diligence for Canadian acquisitions, implementation of benefit programs and payrolls in new locations, employee education, and international relocations.
• Continuous improvement: Capture lessons learned, establish repeatable processes, and improve the efficiency and employee experience of future integrations and international projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Progressive experience in employee benefits, compensation, payroll, HR operations, or total rewards.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, integrations, international expansion, or other complex cross-functional initiatives strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of benefit programs, compensation practices, payroll processes, and employment-related compliance considerations.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, stakeholders, and confidential information.
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear guidance for employees, leaders, and business partners.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, adaptability, and a practical, employee-focused approach to problem solving.

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

 

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.