Retirement Plan Manager - AZ

Distro•Chandler, AZ

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Retirement Plan Manager is a strategic leader in implementing and administering employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, with advanced expertise in ERISA regulations and retirement plan compliance. The role partners with internal teams and external stakeholders to onboard client plans and provides guidance on plan design, fiduciary responsibilities, and regulatory adherence. The manager serves as the primary contact for an assigned client book, supporting clients through onboarding and after installation while maintaining accurate records and documentation. Regular on-site attendance is essential 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 lighting and low to moderate noise. It involves extended computer and screen use, in-person collaboration, and minimal exposure to physical hazards. The work is primarily sedentary, with frequent keyboard and office-equipment use and occasional movement around the office or travel to client sites and event venues. This 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; FSA and HSA; identity theft protection; critical illness, accident, cancer, and hospital protection; and legal and pet insurance.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in 401(k) plan administration, ERISA compliance, retirement plan operations, or benefit plan onboarding/implementation.
At least three years of experience leading 401(k) plan implementation projects while working for a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Third Party Administrator, or Payroll Provider.
At least three years of client-facing customer service and relationship-building experience.
Understanding of ERISA, IRC regulations, Department of Labor requirements, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Knowledge of plan document types, including prototype, volume submitter, and customized plans.
Understanding of eligibility requirements, vesting schedules, safe harbor rules, contribution limits, and ADP/ACP and top-heavy testing.
Knowledge of co-employment models and how benefits administration differs from traditional HR environments.
Understanding of aggregated employer reporting, master plans, and multiemployer onboarding complexities.
Familiarity with new plan setups, takeover plans, asset mapping, prior plan history review, and integration.
Knowledge of plan establishment data requirements, including census data, compensation types, and plan elections.
Understanding of major recordkeepers and TPAs and how they interact with payroll systems.
Knowledge of data transmission standards, contribution remittance processes, and plan reporting systems.
Understanding of the roles of advisors, TPAs, custodians, auditors, and payroll teams.
Knowledge of service agreements, SLAs, and plan investment lineup structures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn other applications.
Polished, professional, service-focused communication, active listening, and ability to provide clear and accurate guidance on retirement plan features, processes, and compliance requirements.
Precision in reviewing plan documents, processing transactions, verifying data, and interpreting regulatory requirements; ability to identify discrepancies and take corrective action.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment and follow through in a timely manner.
Ability to analyze complex contribution, distribution, eligibility, and compliance issues and determine effective, compliant solutions.
Ability to interpret plan rules and apply regulatory guidance in practical situations.
Ability to work effectively across HR, payroll, compliance, and retirement plan provider teams, support teammates, and contribute to a positive team culture.
Ability to adapt to process changes, regulatory updates, and evolving business needs.
Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally, explain complex concepts to audiences with varying levels of understanding, and collaborate with clients, internal teams, recordkeepers, and advisors.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and maintain accuracy and a calm, solution-oriented approach in sensitive or escalated situations.
Ability to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds with awareness and sensitivity.
Regular on-site attendance is an essential job function.
Ability to perform sedentary desk work, use a keyboard, mouse, calculator, printer, and other standard office equipment, review data and documents accurately, and occasionally move around the office or handle files and light office materials.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of experience, skills, and education, including relevant non-traditional degree programs, certifications, or job training.
ASPPA or NIPA credentials, or willingness to earn one within 12 months.

Responsibilities

Lead and support onboarding of new 401(k) plans, ensuring setup tasks and documentation are completed accurately and on time.
Serve as the primary contact for an assigned book of retirement plan clients during onboarding and ongoing support after installation.
Coordinate distribution of participant notices and employer communications during onboarding and throughout the plan lifecycle.
Provide employers and participants with support regarding plan operations, including eligibility, contributions, and general inquiries.
Monitor and assist with contribution submissions, rate changes, and eligibility tracking.
Collaborate with the team to provide a seamless onboarding experience and ongoing client support.
Assist with scheduling and facilitating employer training on plan responsibilities and deadlines.
Prepare and review plan documents and service agreements; oversee payroll vendor integrations and accurate, timely contribution processing.
Support preparation and review of compliance documentation, including nondiscrimination testing and Form 5500 assistance.
Escalate operational issues and compliance concerns to senior team members for resolution.
Maintain accurate client records in the CRM and retain plan documentation according to internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
Maintain operational excellence and promote long-term client satisfaction.
Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development to stay current on retirement plan administration practices.
Contribute to internal projects and initiatives as assigned by management.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with team members, peers across disciplines, and other company employees to coordinate client communications and services.
Attend webinars and training to stay up to date on company and department best practices.
Travel may involve navigating client sites, airports, hotels, or conference venues.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with company match
PTO, holidays, parental leave, and sick leave 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, and hospital protection
Legal insurance
Pet insurance