At Bristol Myers Squibb, our employees often ask, “Who are you working for?”—a question that fuels collaboration, accountability, and urgency in our work. Our purpose-driven culture inspires us to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to prevail over serious diseases. We offer uniquely interesting and meaningful work, opportunities for growth, and a supportive environment that values inclusion, wellbeing, flexibility, and comprehensive benefits.
This is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it.
Position Summary
The Senior Corporate Counsel, Benefits and Executive Compensation will provide legal counsel on employee benefits, executive compensation and related compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable laws. This role supports key governance functions related to employee benefits and executive compensation, including plan design, compliance and fiduciary oversight, and contributes to integration efforts during M&A transactions.
Key Responsibilities
- ✓Provide legal guidance on employee benefits and executive compensation matters, including health & welfare, qualified DB and DC and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and related fiduciary obligations.
- ✓Support plan various re-design initiatives, including drafting and reviewing amendments, coordinating with internal stakeholders/external counsel, and ensuring compliance with ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code.
- ✓Support Employment Law and HR policy teams with interpretation and design of severance plan and claims.
- ✓Work with Corporate Governance and Treasury teams with required SEC disclosures, including proxy, Form 10-K and Form 11-K as relating to compensation and benefit plans.
- ✓Review and advise on DOL/IRS filings and disclosures, including Form 5500 and PBGC-related documentation.
- ✓Draft bonus and equity compensation award agreements and/or communications and support implementation.
- ✓Assist with review of vendor agreements, including coordination with procurement and compliance teams.
- ✓Support fiduciary governance, including preparation of committee meeting minutes and training materials.
- ✓Support integration efforts in connection with M&A transactions, including transitioning employees to company plans and ensuring alignment with internal policies and external legal requirements.
Qualifications & Experience
- ✓10+ years of legal experience in employee benefits, executive compensation and related fiduciary governance.
- ✓J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and license to practice law in the U.S.
- ✓Expertise in ERISA, HIPAA, Internal Revenue Code (including section 409A), and other regulatory frameworks governing qualified and non-qualified plans (e.g., 401(k), pension, NQDC).
- ✓Strong judgment, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- ✓Experience supporting senior leadership and corporate transactions.
#LI-Hybrid
We hire for skills and capabilities, not just credentials – if this role excites you, but doesn’t perfectly match your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway.
Compensation Overview
Princeton - NJ - US: $221,340 - $268,212