Summary:

The Senior Manager, Retirement Plans oversees the design, administration, governance, and compliance of the organization's retirement programs, including defined benefit (DB), defined contribution (DC), pension, savings, and other retirement-related plans. This role is responsible for ensuring retirement plans are administered in accordance with applicable regulations and fiduciary requirements while supporting the organization's total rewards and workforce strategies.

Ideal candidate will be in the Lake Forest, IL, Charlotte, NC markets, or within commutable distance to a Novolex location.

Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:

Retirement Plan Administration

• Direct the administration of all company-sponsored retirement programs, including defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, savings plans, and other retirement offerings.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of retirement plan transactions, participant records, benefit calculations, distributions, and reporting.
• Oversee annual plan activities including enrollments, nondiscrimination testing, census reporting, actuarial valuations, participant communications, and audits.
• Establish and maintain operational controls to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

Plan Governance and Compliance

• Ensure retirement plans are administered in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ERISA, IRS, Department of Labor (DOL), Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and related requirements.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and assess impacts on retirement programs.
• Develop, implement, and maintain retirement plan policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Coordinate internal and external audits and support required regulatory filings and disclosures.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, Payroll, Human Resources, and external advisors to mitigate compliance and fiduciary risks.

Retirement Strategy and Plan Design

• Evaluate existing retirement plans and programs to identify opportunities for improvement, cost efficiency, participant outcomes, and competitive positioning.
• Conduct market assessments and benchmarking studies to support strategic recommendations.
• Lead the implementation of plan design changes, enhancements, and new retirement programs.
• Develop business cases and executive recommendations related to retirement plan strategy and investments.

Pension Analytics and Financial Management

• Manage the analysis, tracking, and forecasting of pension liabilities, obligations, and retirement plan costs.
• Partner with Finance, Accounting, Treasury, and actuarial consultants to support budgeting, forecasting, funding decisions, and financial statement reporting.
• Analyze retirement plan data, trends, demographics, participation metrics, and financial outcomes.
• Deliver insights and recommendations to senior leadership regarding risks, costs, funding requirements, and long-term plan sustainability.
• Vendor and Consultant Management
• Manage relationships with third-party administrators, recordkeepers, trustees, actuaries, investment consultants, auditors, and other service providers.
• Establish performance standards and service-level expectations.
• Lead vendor review processes, contract negotiations, and periodic service assessments.
• Ensure external partners provide high-quality service and comply with contractual and regulatory obligations.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor retirement plan staff and subject matter experts.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Human Resources leadership and senior management on retirement matters.
• Present plan performance, compliance updates, financial analyses, and strategic recommendations to leadership committees and governance bodies.
• Support employee education and communications related to retirement benefits and financial wellness programs

Candidate Requirements:                     

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Actuarial Science, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.
• 8-12+ years of progressive experience in retirement plan administration, pension management, benefits, consulting, finance, or related disciplines.
• Significant experience managing defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans.
• Experience with ERISA, IRS, DOL, PBGC, and other applicable retirement regulations.
• Experience managing vendors, consultants, audits, and compliance activities.
• Previous people leadership experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Certifications:

• Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
• Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA)
• Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification
• Professional certifications in finance, accounting, or investments are a plus.

Leadership Expectations

• Operates as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to business leaders.
• Promotes a culture of safety, engagement, inclusion, and accountability.
• Demonstrates business acumen and sound judgment.
• Drives execution of HR initiatives that improve organizational performance.
• Develops people and teams while modeling company values and leadership behaviors.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $155,000 - $165,000 + bonus + benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. At Novolex, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The benefits for this role include 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, and sick days, paid parental leave, paid holidays and wellness program.

#LI-TM1