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
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Advise on the structure and design of executive compensation programs, including base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives, and retention agreements.
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Partner with HR and Compensation teams to align programs with business strategy, performance outcomes, and market practices.
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Support benchmarking against peer companies and evolving market standards.
Governance & Disclosure
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Lead preparation and review of executive compensation disclosures and related materials for external stakeholders, as applicable.
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Ensure alignment with best practices in transparency, pay-for-performance, and stakeholder communication.
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Advise on emerging trends in executive compensation governance and investor expectations.
Board & Committee Support
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Serve as primary legal advisor to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
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Prepare and review meeting materials, resolutions, and governance documentation.
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Provide guidance on governance best practices and evolving developments relating to compensation and benefits.
Equity & Incentive Plan Management
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Oversee the legal aspects of equity and incentive plan design, implementation, and administration.
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Draft and review equity award agreements, plan documents, and amendments.
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Ensure compliance with applicable tax, securities, and accounting requirements.
Employee Benefits
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Provide legal guidance on qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, welfare benefit plans, and fringe benefits.
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Advise on compliance with ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, ACA, and other applicable federal and state benefits laws.
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Review plan documents, SPDs, amendments, and participant communications.
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Assist with benefits issues arising in mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and workforce transactions.
Regulatory & Compliance
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Advise on executive compensation-related legal and regulatory requirements, including securities laws, tax rules, and disclosure obligations.
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Monitor regulatory developments and proactively update internal practices and policies.
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Partner cross-functionally to ensure consistent and compliant execution of compensation programs.
Cross-Functional Leadership
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Collaborate with Legal, HR, Finance, Payroll, and external advisors to support compensation initiatives.
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Manage outside counsel and compensation consultants as needed.
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Provide guidance and training on compensation governance and compliance.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
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JD from an accredited law school
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Active bar membership in good standing
EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
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10+ years of relevant legal experience, including executive compensation and benefits
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Experience supporting Board-level compensation governance and committee processes
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Strong knowledge of executive compensation disclosure frameworks, equity compensation structures, and tax and regulatory requirements.
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Experience in a public company or advising on public-company standards is strongly preferred.
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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.
