JOB SUMMARY
As the Retirement Plan Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the Retirement Plan Services department. This role ensures the efficient administration of qualified retirement plans, supports regulatory compliance, drives operational excellence, and leads a team responsible for plan implementation, maintenance, reporting, and client service. The Retirement Plan Operations Manager partners closely with advisors, recordkeepers, third-party administrators (TPAs), custodians, and internal stakeholders to deliver exceptional service while maintaining operational accuracy and compliance.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Manage the daily operations of the Retirement Plan Services department, ensuring timely and accurate execution of operational activities

• Lead, mentor, and develop retirement plan operations staff, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities

• Establish operational goals, performance metrics, and service standards to improve efficiency and client satisfaction

• Develop, document, and continuously improve operational policies, procedures, and best practices

• Oversee onboarding and implementation of new retirement plan clients, ensuring smooth transitions and accurate setup

• Monitor ongoing plan administration processes including contributions, distributions, loans, compliance testing coordination, and participant transactions

• Ensure operational compliance with ERISA, IRS, Department of Labor (DOL), SEC, and other applicable regulatory requirements

• Partner with advisors and client relationship teams to resolve operational issues and deliver exceptional client service

• Coordinate with recordkeepers, custodians, TPAs, payroll providers, and other service partners to ensure seamless plan operations

• Monitor service provider performance and resolve operational discrepancies or escalated issues

• Identify operational risks and implement internal controls to safeguard client assets and data integrity

• Oversee preparation and review of operational reports, management dashboards, and key performance indicators

• Support annual plan audits by coordinating required documentation and responding to auditor requests

• Lead operational projects, including technology implementations, workflow automation, and process improvement initiatives

• Collaborate with Compliance, Finance, Information Technology, and other departments to support firm initiatives

• Assist with budgeting, resource planning, and vendor management for the Retirement Plan Services function

• Stay current on legislative, regulatory, and industry developments affecting retirement plan operations

Supervisory responsibilities

• Will lead and supervise subordinate team members

Work environment

• Work is conducted in a professional office environment with minimal distractions

Physical demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and performing work in front of a computer screen for long periods of time

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time

Travel required

• Limited travel may be requested for attending events, conferences, or internal meetings

Required education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, human resources, or a related field

• 7+ years of progressive experience in retirement plan administration or retirement plan operations

• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience

• Strong knowledge of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), Profit Sharing, Cash Balance, Defined Benefit, and ESOP plans

• Thorough understanding of ERISA, IRS, DOL, SEC, and retirement plan compliance requirements

• Experience working with recordkeepers, TPAs, custodians, and payroll systems

Preferred education and experience

• Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)

• Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA)

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)

• Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP)

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the colleague for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.