Retirement Plan Manager - AZ - On Site

Vensure Employer Solutions•Chandler, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Retirement Plan Manager serves as a strategic leader in the implementation and ongoing administration of 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 book of retirement plan clients, supporting them during onboarding and after installation. The position also helps employers and participants with plan operations, coordinates communications and training, oversees documentation and payroll integrations, and supports compliance activities. Regular on-site attendance is an essential job function because the role requires secure system access, collaboration on sensitive technical matters, participation in operational meetings, and hands-on involvement. The position is performed in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with regular computer and standard office equipment use. It includes extended screen time and in-person collaboration and meetings, with low to moderate noise and minimal exposure to physical hazards. The work is primarily sedentary, with frequent keyboard and mouse use and occasional movement around the office or travel-related venues.

Requirements

Understanding of ERISA, Internal Revenue Code regulations, Department of Labor requirements, and fiduciary responsibilities.
Knowledge of prototype, volume submitter, and customized plan documents.
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 third-party administrators and their interactions 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.
Professional, service-focused communication and active listening skills; ability to provide clear and accurate guidance and remain calm and solution-oriented in complex or escalated situations.
Accuracy in reviewing plan documents, processing transactions, verifying data, interpreting regulations, identifying discrepancies, and taking corrective action.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment and maintain timely follow-through.
Ability to assess contribution errors, distribution issues, eligibility concerns, and compliance questions and determine effective, compliant solutions.
Critical-thinking skills to interpret plan rules and apply regulatory guidance.
Ability to collaborate across HR, payroll, compliance, and retirement plan providers, support teammates, and adapt to changing processes, regulations, and business needs.
Associate or bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of experience, skills, and education, including relevant nontraditional degree programs, certifications, or job training.
At least 5 years of experience in 401(k) plan administration, ERISA compliance, retirement plan operations, or benefit plan onboarding/implementation.
At least 3 years of experience leading 401(k) plan implementation projects while working for a PEO, third-party administrator, or payroll provider.
At least 3 years of client-facing customer service and relationship-building experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn other applications.
Ability to earn an ASPPA or NIPA credential within 12 months if not already held.
Ability to perform sedentary desk work, use standard office equipment, review data and documents accurately, and handle files or light office materials.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, explain complex HR, legal, and compliance concepts to varied audiences, actively listen, and communicate sensitively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of experience, skills, and education.
ASPPA or NIPA credentials.

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 service.
Coordinate participant notices and employer communications during onboarding and throughout the plan lifecycle.
Respond to employer and participant questions about eligibility, contributions, plan operations, 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 in scheduling and facilitating employer training sessions 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.
Maintain and update CRM data and client records.
Maintain plan-related 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 relationships with team members and colleagues across disciplines to coordinate client communications and services.
Attend webinars and training to stay current on company and department best practices.

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 and long-term disability.
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.