Retirement Benefits Manager - AZ - On Site

Distro•Chandler, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Retirement Benefits Manager supports the VP of Retirement Benefits by managing 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 setup of new retirement plans in payroll software systems. The manager partners with retirement vendors to resolve issues, improve processes, and ensure operational excellence. This is an onsite role in a professional office environment. Regular onsite attendance is an essential job function because the position requires secure system access, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, participation in operational meetings, and hands-on involvement. The work involves extended computer use and in-person collaboration, with a climate-controlled setting, typical office lighting, and low to moderate noise levels.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience focused on 401(k) plan administration.
At least 1–3 years of leadership experience in a supervisory or lead capacity.
Proven knowledge of ERISA and retirement plan operations.
Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to make informed choices under pressure.
Ability to communicate team vision and direction and motivate team members.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, 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, accurate routine reports, internal correspondence, and documentation.
Effective, professional, and respectful communication with people at all organizational levels, including internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
Sound judgment, adaptability to changing priorities, and ability to maintain productivity.
Active listening and effective communication in individual and group settings.
Ability to help solve problems and develop resolutions between parties using available information.
Ability to follow written, verbal, and diagrammed instructions and resolve issues using logical reasoning and established procedures.
Ability to work under supervision while demonstrating initiative and accountability when completing tasks independently.
Commitment to confidentiality and ethical conduct when handling sensitive financial and employee information, and to secure data handling and internal controls.
Associate degree or an equivalent combination of experience, skills, and education is preferred.

Nice To Haves

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.
Associate degree or an equivalent combination of experience, skills, and education, including relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training.

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 to ensure tasks comply with plan provisions, ERISA, and internal controls, including contribution remittances, year-end compliance testing, plan document review, and plan corrections.
Serve 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 and support for company products and services.
Identify, implement, and monitor process improvements to enhance productivity, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Coordinate due diligence with retirement vendors for the company's MEPs and PEPs, monitor service levels, and resolve operational issues.
Work 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, 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 relationships with team members and colleagues across disciplines to coordinate communications and client services.
Attend webinars and training to stay informed about relevant 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 disability insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Employee assistance program (EAP).
Flexible spending account (FSA).
Health savings account (HSA).
Identity theft protection.
Critical illness, accident, cancer, and hospital protection coverage.
Legal insurance.
Pet insurance.