The Retirement Plan Manager oversees the administration, compliance, and strategic direction of the company’s retirement programs, with primary responsibility for the 401(k) plan. This role ensures the plan operates in accordance with regulatory requirements, supports employees in understanding and maximizing their retirement benefits, and partners with internal and external stakeholders to maintain a high-quality, compliant, and competitive retirement offering.
This role is remote but the person must reside in the Central or Eastern time zone.
Key Responsibilities
Plan Administration & Operations
- Serve as the day-to-day administrator for the company’s 401(k) plan and related retirement programs.
- Manage all plan transactions, including payroll deferrals, employer contributions, loan processing, and distributions.
- Oversee daily file transmissions and reconciliation of plan funding.
- Partner with Payroll, Finance, and HRIS teams to ensure accurate and timely data flow.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure the plan remains compliant with ERISA, IRS, DOL, and other applicable regulations.
- Coordinate annual compliance testing (ADP/ACP, 410(b), 415, top-heavy, etc.) and resolve any testing failures.
- Manage the annual 401(k) audit process, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors and service providers.
- Maintain plan documents, amendments, SPD/SMMs, and required disclosures (e.g., 404a-5, 408(b)(2)).
- Oversee preparation and filing of Form 5500.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with third-party administrators, recordkeepers, auditors, and investment advisors.
- Review vendor performance and participate in periodic fee and service benchmarking.
- Partner with Finance and senior leadership to support retirement plan strategy and alignment with organizational goals.
Employee Support & Education
- Provide guidance to employees on plan rules, eligibility, enrollment, distributions, and retirement planning tools.
- Develop and deliver communication and education campaigns to increase plan awareness and participation.
- Support open enrollment, new hire onboarding, and other benefit-related events.
Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to enhance plan design, improve efficiency, and strengthen retirement readiness among employees.
- Lead or support strategic initiatives such as plan design reviews, vendor evaluations, mergers and acquisitions integration, and compliance updates.
- Stay informed on legislative and regulatory changes impacting retirement plans and recommend necessary updates.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
- 7 or more years in employee benefits/HR
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience managing retirement plans for private or publicly-held companies, with strong knowledge of ERISA and IRS regulations.
- Experience leading 401(k) plan audits and compliance testing.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Professional certifications such as CEBS, ASPPA (QKA, QPA), CRSP, or similar are a plus.
Competencies
- Detail-Oriented: Ensures accuracy in data, filings, and processes.
- Compliance-Focused: Understands complex rules and maintains strong governance practices.
- Collaborative: Works closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.
- Strategic Thinker: Anticipates needs, proposes improvements, streamlines processes and supports long-term benefits strategy.
- Employee-Centric: Communicates clearly and supports employees in navigating retirement benefits.
Target Base Salary: $105,000 - $135,000 annually
Travel: Up to 20%
