Req ID: 257577

We are seeking to fill this role in Dallas or Houston

General Purpose

The Manager, Benefits Administration leads the strategic and operational administration of the Company's qualified and non qualified programs. This role ensures compliant, efficient, and high quality plan operations while delivering a strong participant experience. The position partners closely with HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and external vendors, serves as the subject matter expert on retirement programs, and provides leadership to retirement benefits staff. Health & Welfare benefits may be required as business needs dictate.

Duties and Responsibilities

1..Retirement Plan Administration & Operations

Direct the administration of retirement programs, including 401(k), pension, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, either internally or through outsourced service providers.

Oversee day to day operations including eligibility, enrollments, contributions, distributions, loans, compliance testing, and regulatory reporting.

Ensure accurate, timely plan administration in accordance with plan documents, ERISA requirements, and company policies.

Reconcile contributions with Payroll and ensure timely funding to recordkeepers.

Audit eligibility, participant, contribution, and loan data; resolve discrepancies and corrective actions.

Perform secondary reviews of calculations, system entries, and transactions as required.

Manage and resolve escalated retirement benefit inquiries with a high level of service and expertise.

Lead special projects such as plan design changes, system conversions, enhancements, mergers, or acquisitions.

2. Vendor & Service Provider Management

Manage relationships and negotiate with vendors, including recordkeepers, trustees, custodians, actuaries, auditors, and consultants.

Monitor service level performance, data integrity, and adherence to contractual obligations and plan guidelines.

Lead issue escalation, resolution, and quality assurance with vendors to ensure operational excellence.

Continuously evaluate vendor performance and recommend improvements aligned with organizational goals.

3. Compliance, Governance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including but not limited to, ERISA, IRS, DOL, SEC, and related federal and state requirements.

Coordinate and provide inputs for annual financial and operational audits; manage data collection, testing, remediation, and auditor relationships.

Lead regulatory filings, notices, and disclosures related to retirement programs.

Maintain and update plan documents, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), amendments, operational procedures, and audit support files.

Serve as liaison to retirement committees, trustees, and recordkeepers to ensure plans operate according to governance standards.

Interpret, review, and update retirement policies and procedures to promote standardization, compliance, and operational efficiency.

4. Benefits Process Improvement & Controls

Design and implement operational controls to ensure accurate, compliant, and high quality plan administration.

Evaluate and enhance processes to improve efficiency, scalability, accuracy, and participant experience.

Partner with HR Technology, HRIS, Payroll, Finance, and service providers to implement system and process improvements.

Lead internal reviews and audits of plan operations and implement corrective action plans.

5. Subject Matter Expertise & Advisory Support

Serve as the primary subject matter expert for retirement plans, providing guidance to HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and employees.

Advise on plan provisions, eligibility rules, compliance requirements, and distribution options.

Maintain in depth, current knowledge of regulatory changes, industry trends, and best practices, applying insights to strengthen plan design and governance.

6. Communications & Employee Education

Develop and deliver benefit plan communications, including employee education materials, compliance notices, open enrollment content, and retirement planning resources.

Coordinate and disseminate ongoing announcements and reminders throughout the year.

Deliver presentations and training to employees, managers, and HR teams on retirement programs, processes, and system changes.

Enhance participant retirement readiness through clear, effective, and engaging communication strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of progressive experience administering benefit plans (401(k), pension, and/or non-qualified plans).
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, IRS and DOL regulations, compliance testing, and retirement plan governance.
• Proven experience managing retirement vendors and complex plan operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead audits, regulatory filings, and process improvements.

Preferred

• Master's degree or professional certifications (CEBS, CCP, CBP, SHRM CP/ SCP).
• Experience leading or supporting system implementations or plan design changes.
• Prior people management experience.

Core Competencies

• Retirement plan expertise
• Regulatory compliance & risk management
• Vendor and stakeholder management
• Process improvement & operational excellence
• Executive communication & employee education
• Data accuracy, controls, and governance