Retirement Programs Manager

Black & Veatch Family of Companies•Olathe, KS

About The Position

The Retirement Programs Manager leads the governance, fiduciary oversight, financial stewardship, and operations of Black & Veatch’s qualified and nonqualified retirement programs, including 401(k), ESOP, and executive deferred compensation plans. The role serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on retirement matters, shaping plan design, risk management, regulatory compliance, and long-term retirement strategy. It leads retirement operations, vendor and consultant relationships, and retirement team development while partnering with leadership to support organizational goals and employees’ financial well-being. The manager develops the organization’s retirement benefits strategy and oversees plan administration, compliance, audits, filings, and testing. The role leads and develops team members, sets operating priorities and standards, and drives service quality and continuous improvement. It advises leadership on retirement trends, risks, costs, and opportunities; evaluates plan and investment changes; resolves complex issues; and ensures plan documents align with HCM systems, communications, and vendor platforms. The position collaborates with HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, Technology, and global stakeholders, and maintains relationships with HR partners, support teams, vendors, and consultants. Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days, at the manager’s discretion and based on performance and work assignments. The position is full-time. Black & Veatch describes itself as a 100 percent employee-owned company and offers a comprehensive benefits portfolio, including health coverage, paid time off, retirement benefits, and other optional benefits.

Requirements

Eight or more years of progressive experience in qualified and nonqualified plan administration and governance within a large, complex organization.
Three or more years managing and developing HR professionals, with demonstrated coaching and counseling skills and success driving vision, strategy, and purpose.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
Experience in vendor and project management, with strong analytical, data analysis, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to coordinate benefits communications and drive initiatives through effective project execution.
Strong attention to detail and creativity.
Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple stakeholders.
Proficiency with HRIS systems, Microsoft Office, and web content management.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing requirements.
Deep expertise in ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations.
Strong problem-solving skills, including identifying, analyzing, researching, evaluating, and resolving issues.
Ability to influence and persuade internal and external stakeholders through collaborative efforts.
Independent, solution-driven self-starter.
Ability to complete applicable pre-employment onboarding requirements, which may include criminal/civil background checks, drug screening, and motor vehicle records searches.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
ESOP administration experience.
Experience with PeopleSoft or Oracle HRIS systems.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the organization’s retirement benefits strategy in alignment with business objectives, workforce needs, talent retention goals, and market competitiveness.
Oversee qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, including accurate and timely enrollments, contributions, diversification, distributions, and calculations.
Lead, develop, and mentor retirement team members through goal setting, performance management, career development, succession planning, and capability building.
Establish team priorities, operating standards, and performance expectations for efficient and accurate service delivery.
Promote continuous improvement, accountability, customer service excellence, and operational effectiveness.
Evaluate and recommend retirement plan design enhancements, investment options, and program innovations to improve participant outcomes.
Advise leadership on retirement trends, risks, costs, and opportunities, providing analysis, recommendations, and strategic guidance.
Monitor industry trends, legislative developments, and emerging retirement practices, assess organizational impact, and recommend action plans.
Oversee service providers, operational controls, and compliance processes to support prudent fiduciary practices and mitigate operational, fiduciary, financial, and regulatory risks.
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex participant, operational, and compliance issues; counsel and educate management and employees on retirement programs.
Recommend and implement process improvements, approved technology solutions, and operational efficiencies across retirement programs.
Interpret plan documents and ensure alignment among plan provisions, HCM systems, communications, and vendor platforms.
Collaborate on cross-functional retirement initiatives involving HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and Technology.
Lead annual audits, government filings, and compliance testing, ensuring required documentation is complete and accurate.
Partner with Finance, Payroll, HRIS, and global stakeholders on financial management and operational integration of qualified plans and nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements.
Build and maintain relationships with HR partners, the H.R. Support Center, vendors, and consultants.
Oversee fiduciary responsibilities and compliance with ERISA, IRS, and DOL requirements, maintaining a strong internal control environment.
Stay current on legislative and regulatory trends, champion HCM and vendor tools, and participate in company-wide HR initiatives to improve service delivery, engagement, and understanding of benefit offerings.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Disability insurance.
Wellness program.
Flexible work schedules.
Paid vacation, holiday, sick, and dependent sick time.
Company-matched 401(k) plan.
Adoption reimbursement.
Tuition reimbursement.
Vendor discounts.
Employment referral program.
AD&D insurance.
Pre-tax accounts.
Voluntary legal plan.
B&V Credit Union.
Potential eligibility for a performance-based bonus program.
Employee stock ownership and participation in financial rewards through stock ownership.