Our
Retirement Plans Governance & Administration Lead oversees the day-to-day administration and governance of our qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, including leading retirement plan operations, managing audits, supporting merger and acquisition activities, owning vendor performance, and contributing to the design and enhancement of retirement programs.
The Lead ensures retirement programs are administered in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations,
and internal policies while partnering with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver high-quality,
timely services. This strategic role balances operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous
improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, optimize program effectiveness, and
elevate the employee experience in support of both employee needs and organizational objectives.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the day-to-day administration and governance of qualified (401(k) and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans, partnering with internal stakeholders (Payroll, Finance, Legal, HRIS, Accounting) and external vendors
- Manage retirement plan projects and initiatives, including plan enhancements, regulatory changes, mergers and acquisitions, and operational improvements
- Oversee annual and new hire enrollment for Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans
- Ensure ongoing compliance with ERISA, IRS, DOL, and IRC Section 409A requirements, including plan testing, audits, regulatory filings, corrections, and internal controls
- Manage annual Form 5500 filings, independent plan audits, and all related regulatory reporting for qualified retirement plans
- Oversee plan funding activities, including payroll processing, employer contributions, annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial reconciliations
- Draft, review, and maintain retirement plan documentation, including Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), Summaries of Material Modifications (SMMs), Summary Annual Reports (SARs), participant notices, and plan amendments
- Develop agendas and governance materials for the Benefits Plan Committee and Retirement Subcommittee, ensuring compliance with committee charters and fiduciary governance requirements
- Serve as the organization's retirement plan subject matter expert, advising HR, Legal, Recruiting, HRIS, Communications, Finance, and senior leadership
- Manage relationships with recordkeepers, trustees, investment advisors, auditors, consultants, and other retirement plan vendors, ensuring service quality and regulatory compliance
- Partner with vendors and Internal Communications to deliver employee education, financial wellness programs, retirement communications, and virtual or onsite informational sessions
- Provide guidance and training to HR team members on retirement plan administration, compliance requirements, and escalation procedures
- Resolve complex participant inquiries and administrative issues while delivering a high level of customer service
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, leverage technology, and improve the overall employee experience
- Provide support for additional health and welfare benefit programs and special projects as business needs require
Knowledge, Skills, and Experiences: - Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in retirement benefits administration, including 401(k) plan design and administration, with at least 3 years administering Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans
- Deep knowledge of ERISA, IRS, DOL, and IRC Section 409A regulations governing retirement plans
- Demonstrated experience leading retirement plan governance, compliance, audits, regulatory reporting, and fiduciary committee support
- Proven ability to manage retirement plan vendors and build effective partnerships across internal and external stakeholders
- Experience leading retirement plan initiatives from strategy and design through implementation and ongoing administration
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Advanced Excel skills with demonstrated expertise to analyze, interpret, and present complex data; experience using AI-enabled productivity and analytical tools is preferred
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex retirement concepts to employees, executives, and committee members
- Knowledge of retirement plan funding, investment markets, and evolving regulatory requirements
- Experience supporting Benefits Committee and Retirement Committee governance is preferred
- Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and build strong relationships across a large, matrixed organization
- Strong HRIS experience required; Workday experience (including implementation, testing, and support) is strongly preferred, and PeopleSoft experience is a plus
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation is a plus
- Staffing industry experience is a plus
Base pay range for this position is $92,400 - 123,200. Final annual compensation will be based on experience and may vary by geographic location.
Compensation package and benefits applicable to the position - understanding that each person has unique professional and personal needs focused on your total well-being. Our range of Benefits for full-time employees can be explored at: Kelly Services | People (benefitsatkelly.com)
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