Senior Retirement Manager

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Los Angeles, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Retirement Manager leads the design, strategy, and administration of the firm's U.S. retirement plans and Partner Owned Life Insurance (POLI) program. As the firm's subject matter expert in retirement benefits, this role oversees a team and drives regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and investment integrity. The Senior Manager administers the Retirement Committee, collaborates closely with internal ERISA counsel, and partners with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to strengthen and continuously improve the firm's retirement programs and practices.

Requirements

• 7+ years in retirement plan administration with deep expertise in Partner Cash Balance and 401(k) plans; POLI experience preferred.
• 3+ years managing and developing HR professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field required.
• Background in professional services or law firm settings strongly preferred.
• Expert knowledge of DC and DB plan administration, design, and compliance, including ERISA, PBGC, and applicable tax law.
• Experience leading plan audits, government filings, and compliance activities.
• Advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables); proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms.
• Strategic thinker with the discipline to maintain operational excellence in day-to-day administration.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communicator — able to translate technical subject matter for non-technical audiences.
• Skilled relationship-builder who influences effectively across all levels and functions.
• High integrity, discretion with confidential information, and sharp attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• POLI experience preferred.
• Background in professional services or law firm settings strongly preferred.
• QKA, QPA, CRPS, or equivalent designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages, mentors, and develops a team of retirement professionals; sets goals and workflows aligned with HR and firm strategy.
• Drives a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality service; serves as escalation point for complex retirement matters.
• Provides strategic and operational oversight of the firm's DC, DB, and POLI programs, including plan design analysis and recommendations to HR leadership.
• Leads annual audits, government filings (Form 5500s, 1099s, PBGC), and actuarial coordination; ensures full regulatory and ERISA compliance.
• Oversees claims and appeals, data integrity, participant contributions and distributions, and cross-functional HRIS/Payroll partnerships.
• Manages external advisors, recordkeepers, and plan administrators; directs plan documents, SPDs, and participant communications.
• Leads benchmarking, plan improvement initiatives, and project implementations; partners with Finance on budgeting and expense monitoring.
• Leads vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management for retirement and POLI programs.
• Develops dashboards and statistical reporting on utilization, costs, and demographics; delivers data-driven recommendations to HR leadership and firm management.
• Stays current on legislative and regulatory trends; champions HRIS tools and participates in firm-wide HR initiatives to enhance service delivery.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior