Retirement Plan Operations Manager
About The Position
As the Retirement Plan Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the Retirement Plan Services department. This role ensures the efficient administration of qualified retirement plans, supports regulatory compliance, drives operational excellence, and leads a team responsible for plan implementation, maintenance, reporting, and client service. The Retirement Plan Operations Manager partners closely with advisors, recordkeepers, third-party administrators (TPAs), custodians, and internal stakeholders to deliver exceptional service while maintaining operational accuracy and compliance.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, human resources, or a related field
- 7+ years of progressive experience in retirement plan administration or retirement plan operations
- 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience
- Strong knowledge of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), Profit Sharing, Cash Balance, Defined Benefit, and ESOP plans
- Thorough understanding of ERISA, IRS, DOL, SEC, and retirement plan compliance requirements
- Experience working with recordkeepers, TPAs, custodians, and payroll systems
Nice To Haves
- Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)
- Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA)
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
- Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP)
Responsibilities
- Manage the daily operations of the Retirement Plan Services department, ensuring timely and accurate execution of operational activities
- Lead, mentor, and develop retirement plan operations staff, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities
- Establish operational goals, performance metrics, and service standards to improve efficiency and client satisfaction
- Develop, document, and continuously improve operational policies, procedures, and best practices
- Oversee onboarding and implementation of new retirement plan clients, ensuring smooth transitions and accurate setup
- Monitor ongoing plan administration processes including contributions, distributions, loans, compliance testing coordination, and participant transactions
- Ensure operational compliance with ERISA, IRS, Department of Labor (DOL), SEC, and other applicable regulatory requirements
- Partner with advisors and client relationship teams to resolve operational issues and deliver exceptional client service
- Coordinate with recordkeepers, custodians, TPAs, payroll providers, and other service partners to ensure seamless plan operations
- Monitor service provider performance and resolve operational discrepancies or escalated issues
- Identify operational risks and implement internal controls to safeguard client assets and data integrity
- Oversee preparation and review of operational reports, management dashboards, and key performance indicators
- Support annual plan audits by coordinating required documentation and responding to auditor requests
- Lead operational projects, including technology implementations, workflow automation, and process improvement initiatives
- Collaborate with Compliance, Finance, Information Technology, and other departments to support firm initiatives
- Assist with budgeting, resource planning, and vendor management for the Retirement Plan Services function
- Stay current on legislative, regulatory, and industry developments affecting retirement plan operations
- Will lead and supervise subordinate team members
Benefits
- group health insurance
- dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plans
- generous paid time off (PTO) allowances
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
