Retirement Benefits Manager

Distro•Chandler, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Retirement Benefits Manager position supports the VP of Retirement Benefits by managing a team of Retirement Benefits Specialists and Senior Retirement Benefits Specialists and providing leadership for administrative support to several 401(k) Multiple Employer Plans (MEP), Pooled Employer Plans (PEP), and client-sponsored plans. This position will be involved in multiple aspects of MEP/PEP operations, including plan compliance, client and participant support, retirement-related payroll support, facilitating MEP/PEP mergers, and setting up new retirement plans within our payroll software systems. The Retirement Benefits Manager partners directly with retirement vendors to resolve issues, enhance processes, and ensure operational excellence.

Requirements

Proven ERISA knowledge and understanding of retirement plan operations.
Ability to communicate a clear vision and direction for the team, fostering a sense of purpose and commitment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and demonstrated ability to learn other applications as needed.
Strong ability to read, understand, and interpret a variety of written materials including retirement plans, policies, procedures, and technical documentation.
Skilled in composing routine reports, internal correspondence, and documentation with clarity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Capable of communicating effectively, professionally, and respectfully with individuals at all organizational levels, including internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
Demonstrates sound judgment in routine situations and the ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a high level of productivity.
Communicate effectively in individual or group situations including demonstrating active listening skills.
Able to participate in solving problems and help make decisions based on the best information available by developing resolutions between parties.
Ability to apply logical reasoning and common sense to follow written, verbal, and diagrammed instructions, and to resolve issues within defined parameters and standardized procedures.
Capable of working effectively under supervision while also demonstrating initiative and accountability in completing tasks independently.
Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical conduct in managing sensitive financial and employee information.
Ensure secure handling of data and compliance with internal controls.
Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of experience, skills, education (including other relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training programs) preferred.
5+ years of experience focused on 401(k) plan administration required.
1-3+ years of leadership experience (supervisory or lead) required, preferably in a retirement or benefits operations environment.
Sedentary Work: Requires prolonged sitting while working at a desk, computer, or in meetings for the majority of the workday.
Manual Dexterity: Utilizes hands and fingers frequently to operate a keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment for data entry and system navigation.
Mobility: Occasionally walks within the office or to meeting areas to collaborate with team members, leadership, or clients.
Visual Focus: Maintains sustained visual attention to read, analyze, and interpret data on computer screens and printed materials.
Light Lifting: Handles and transports light office materials such as documents or small supplies as needed.
Strategic Thinking: Applies high-level reasoning and planning to develop and execute retirement program strategies and operational improvements.
Decision Making: Makes timely, informed decisions, often under pressure, based on regulatory requirements, data, and organizational priorities.
Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy when managing retirement plans, compliance testing, reports, and financial data.
Problem Solving: Continuously identifies operational issues, compliance risks, and client concerns and develops effective resolutions.
Multitasking: Manages multiple concurrent projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Stress Tolerance: Maintains composure and effectiveness when handling high-pressure situations, escalations, or complex client issues.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Builds and maintains strong working relationships with employees, leadership, clients, and external vendors.
Cultural Sensitivity: Communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Written Communication: Produces clear, accurate, and professional documentation, including emails, reports, and retirement plan materials.
Verbal Communication: Conveys information effectively through discussions, training sessions, and presentations to varied audiences.
Presentation Skills: Presents complex retirement plan strategies, compliance updates, and performance metrics to leadership and stakeholders.
Active Listening: Demonstrates attentiveness and understanding when engaging with team members, clients, and stakeholders to address concerns and gather information.

Nice To Haves

Third-Party Administration (TPA) experience preferred.
Multiple Employer Plan (MEP or Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) experience a plus.
Retirement-related credentials a plus (QKA, RPA, ASPPA, CEBS).
Professional Employer Organization (PEO) experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision and coaching to Retirement Benefits Specialists and Senior Retirement Benefits Specialists, including performance feedback, development planning, and day-to-day guidance.
Oversee team administration of retirement plans, ensuring operational tasks adhere to stated plan provisions, ERISA, and internal controls; areas include remittance of contributions, year-end compliance testing, plan document review, and plan corrections.
Serve as an escalation point for the team and within the organization when complex plan questions or issues arise, coordinating with vendors, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
Communicate with internal and external customers regarding 401(k) administration, providing subject matter expertise and support for Vensure products and services.
Identify, implement, and monitor process improvements to enhance team productivity, quality, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with Vensure's retirement vendors to perform due diligence on Vensure's MEPs/PEPs, monitor service levels, and resolve operational issues.
Work proactively and professionally with multiple departments including Payroll, Client Relations, Sales, and Benefits to ensure integrated and timely administration of retirement plans.
Lead and support the merger of acquired company MEPs/PEPs into Vensure 401(k) plans, including coordination of data, communications, and timelines.
Support annual 401(k) plan audits and Form 5500 filings by working with Third-Party Administrators, recordkeepers, and auditors and overseeing the team's contributions.
Regular, onsite attendance is an essential job function due to the need for secure access to systems, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, participation in operational meetings, and hands‑on involvement.
Build, maintain and promote relationships with team members, peers across disciplines, and all other company team members ensuring effective coordination of communications and services affecting clients.
Attend webinars and training to stay up to date on best practices related to the company and department.
Complete projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match
Paid Time Off: PTO, Holidays, Parental leave and Sick Leave provided as required by applicable state law
Life insurance
Short term disability
Long term disability
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Flexible spending account (FSA)
Health savings account (HSA)
Identity theft protection
Critical illness
Accident
Cancer
Hospital protection
Legal and pet insurance.