Sr. Counsel, Compliance and Benefits

Reynolds American is evolving at a pace like no other organization.

To achieve the ambition we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be the change!

SENIORITY LEVEL: Senior Level

FUNCTION: Legal

LOCATION: Winston-Salem, NC

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

The Senior Counsel, Compliance and Benefits Compliance promotes robust regulatory compliance across employee benefit plans and broader corporate compliance programs. This role oversees adherence to federal, state, and international laws and regulations, driving a culture of integrity while supporting complex compliance structures and implementation of the Group’s compliance programs.

Reports to – Managing Counsel - Corporate

Number of Direct Reports - NA

Core Relationships                  Internal - Senior stakeholders including within Legal, Tax, HR, Finance and Audit

External - Regulatory bodies, compliance forums, external counsel, external auditors and vendors/suppliers.

Geographic Scope  - DRBU

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

• Manage compliance for employee benefit plans, covering approximately 4,000 active employees and 8,000 retirees.
• Act as the subject matter expert for ERISA and other employee benefits laws and regulations, liaising between external attorneys and internal teams.
• Oversee and maintain benefit plan documentation, ensuring timely preparation and amendments, appropriate record-keeping, and compliance with legislative and regulatory changes.
• Supervise government reporting (Forms 5500, 5330, 5310, 8955-SSA, etc.) and manage non-discrimination testing.
• Facilitate compliant benefit plan communications, and timely delivery thereof, including Summary Plan Descriptions and Annual Funding Notices.
• Support the implementation and evolution of the “Delivery with Integrity” compliance program.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for compliance initiatives, including scheduling, resource allocation, and effectiveness measurement.
• Lead change management through risk-based training programs.
• Maintain awareness of new regulatory developments and advise on their impact on business operations.
• Support reporting for compliance workstreams.
• Provide secretarial support for benefits and compliance committees, including agenda preparation and documentation.
• Engage with cross-functional teams (including HR, Finance and Audit) to ensure integrated compliance practices.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Qualified attorney with experience in U.S. corporate compliance, particularly related to corporate governance and risk management. Experience in employment law matters including with benefit plan laws and regulations (ERISA, IRS, DOL, PBGC, HIPAA, HHS, CMS etc.) is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing broad-scale corporate compliance initiatives and advising on legal frameworks.
• Strong understanding of corporate regulatory compliance structures and general non-discrimination principles in employment and business practices.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently and oversee multiple legal projects simultaneously in high-pressure environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of translating complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance and of building cross-functional partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

WE ARE REYNOLDS AMERICAN—A member of the BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO GROUP

At Reynolds American, we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at REYNOLDS AMERICAN.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 British American Tobacco employees across more than 180 markets
• Great Place to Work Certified
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in four strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Have you been on a career break for 18 months or longer? Are you ready to return to your career? If your answers to these questions is yes, we would love to hear from you. Regardless of why you took a break, we value you for all the skills you can bring to the workforce. Reignite your career, work flexibly, be part of a dynamic team and upskill yourself with on-the-job training and development support.

Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at Reynolds American. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!

SALARY AND BENEFITS OVERVIEW

Benefit Information

The following is a general summary of the competitive compensation and benefit plans we offer:

• 401(k) plan that offers opportunity to save on pre- and post-tax basis up to 50 percent of eligible compensation.
  • Company matches 100 percent of employee pre-tax/Roth (401k) contributions up to six percent
  • Company contributes an additional three percent to 401(k) whether employee participates or not
• Comprehensive health- and welfare-benefits package (including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs)
• Health Savings Account start-up contribution for employees who elect the high deductible health plan
• Flexible spending accounts for both Health Care and Dependent Care allowing employee to use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified expenses during the calendar year
• Employee assistance program offering 8 free counselling sessions, per issue, each calendar year for employees and their dependents
• Company paid life insurance of 1x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)
• Company paid accidental death or dismemberment insurance of 2x annual base pay ($50,000 minimum)
• Voluntary insurances offered at group rates: employee and dependent life insurance, AD&D insurance, critical illness, accident coverage, disability buy-up, and auto & home insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan support
• Dependent Scholarship Programs
• Free confidential personal financial counselling service
• On-site health centers and 24/7 fitness centers at certain company locations
• A charitable giving matching grants program that enables employees to direct and double their donations to qualifying charitable organizations of their choice
• Health-care concierge service
• Volunteer service opportunities
• Extensive training opportunities
• Company vehicle for eligible employees
• Mobile phone allowance for eligible employees
• Paid Leave:
  • Sick and Personal Time (exempt employees may be excused with pay for brief absences; non-exempt employees receive up to 6 days)
  • Vacation (levels Below Senior Director receive 15 days (pro-rated during first year of service); Senior Director and Officers receive 25 days (pro-rated during first year of service)).
  • Holidays (Nine company recognized and two annual personal holidays to be used at the employee’s discretion)
  • Paid Parental Leave + temporary reduced work schedule opportunity
  • Funeral Leave
  • Short-Term Disability Leave
  • Long-Term Disability Leave
  • Jury Duty Leave
  • Military Leave
  • Released Time for Children’s Education
  • Community Outreach Leave
  • Other paid leave benefits, as required by state or local law

Our organization offers a level of challenge, responsibility, and creativity for motivated employees who want to grow their careers. We are also committed to employing a diverse workforce and valuing different perspectives, experiences, and talents to improve the company's potential for optimally achieving its business objectives!

Reynolds American Inc.and its affiliated companies is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Only applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us directly via email atTalentAcquisition@RJRT.com.