Retirement Benefits Manager - AZ - On Site

Distro•Chandler, AZ

1d•$85,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Retirement Benefits Manager supports the VP of Retirement Benefits by managing a team of Retirement Benefits Specialists and Senior Retirement Benefits Specialists and leading administrative support for 401(k) Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs), Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs), and client-sponsored plans. The role covers plan compliance, client and participant support, retirement-related payroll support, MEP/PEP mergers, and setting up new retirement plans in payroll software systems. The manager works directly with retirement vendors to resolve issues, improve processes, and ensure operational excellence. This is an onsite role requiring regular attendance for secure system access, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, operational meetings, and hands-on involvement. The position is performed in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with typical office lighting and low to moderate noise. It involves extended periods of computer use, in-person collaboration, and minimal exposure to physical hazards. The role requires prolonged sitting, frequent keyboard and mouse use, occasional walking within the office, sustained visual attention to screens and printed materials, and handling light office materials. It also requires strategic thinking, timely decision-making, attention to detail, problem-solving, multitasking, and composure under pressure. Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, presentation, and active-listening skills are needed to work with employees, leadership, clients, and vendors. The position is eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) with company match; PTO, holidays, parental leave and sick leave as required by applicable state law; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; an employee assistance program; flexible spending and health savings accounts; identity theft protection; critical illness, accident, cancer, and hospital protection; and legal and pet insurance. The listed salary range is $85,000–$115,000 per year.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience focused on 401(k) plan administration.
At least 1 year of leadership experience in a supervisory or lead capacity; 1–3+ years is stated as required.
Proven knowledge of ERISA and retirement plan operations.
Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to make informed choices in high-pressure situations.
Ability to communicate a clear team vision, motivate team members, and guide their performance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn other applications.
Ability to read, understand, and interpret retirement plans, policies, procedures, and technical documentation.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate routine reports, internal correspondence, and documentation.
Professional communication skills and the ability to work respectfully with people at all organizational levels, including external partners and stakeholders.
Sound judgment, adaptability to changing priorities, and ability to maintain productivity.
Problem-solving, active listening, and collaborative decision-making skills.
Ability to follow written, verbal, and diagrammed instructions and resolve issues within established parameters and procedures.
Ability to work under supervision while demonstrating initiative and accountability when working independently.
Commitment to confidentiality, ethical conduct, secure data handling, and compliance with internal controls.
Sedentary work capacity, frequent keyboard and mouse use, sustained visual attention, occasional office mobility, and ability to handle light office materials.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or an equivalent combination of experience, skills, and education is preferred.
Third-party administration (TPA) experience.
Multiple Employer Plan (MEP) or Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) experience.
Retirement-related credentials such as QKA, RPA, ASPPA, or CEBS.
Professional Employer Organization (PEO) experience.

Responsibilities

Supervise and coach Retirement Benefits Specialists and Senior Retirement Benefits Specialists, including providing performance feedback, development planning, and day-to-day guidance.
Oversee retirement plan administration and ensure operational tasks comply with plan provisions, ERISA, and internal controls, including contribution remittances, year-end compliance testing, plan document review, and plan corrections.
Act as an escalation point for complex plan questions and issues, coordinating with vendors, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
Communicate with internal and external customers about 401(k) administration and provide subject matter expertise on company products and services.
Identify, implement, and monitor process improvements to enhance productivity, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Coordinate due diligence on company MEPs and PEPs with retirement vendors, monitor service levels, and resolve operational issues.
Coordinate with Payroll, Client Relations, Sales, Benefits, and other departments to support integrated and timely plan administration.
Lead and support mergers of acquired-company MEPs and PEPs into company 401(k) plans, including coordinating 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 team contributions.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with team members and colleagues across disciplines.
Attend webinars and training to stay current on company and departmental best practices.
Complete projects and other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Paid time off, holidays, parental leave, and sick leave as required by applicable state law.
Life insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA).
Identity theft protection.
Critical illness, accident, cancer, and hospital protection.
Legal insurance and pet insurance.