Position: Retirement Plan Administrator (Houston, TX or Stamford, CT)

Job Description:

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Retirement Plan Administrator & Team Lead to oversee plan administration, support a team of administrators, and provide expert guidance on retirement plan compliance. This on-site role will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) and mentor for team members, ensuring the highest level of client service and technical accuracy

If you are a highly analytical, client-focused professional with strong leadership skills, a passion for mentoring, and deep expertise in retirement plan administration, we encourage you to apply!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Annual Valuation Management: Oversee eligibility determinations, reconcile salary-deferral contributions, calculate employer contributions and forfeitures, and perform nondiscrimination testing for a designated book of business to ensure accurate plan valuations.
• Government Filings: Ensure the precise and timely completion of all annual government filings, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Client Engagement & Communication: Act as the primary liaison with agents and plan sponsors to clearly explain plan provisions, testing results, website access, and contract fees, ensuring clients are well-informed.
• Software Expertise: Continuously maintain proficiency in pension administration software, ensuring adherence to department procedures and leveraging technology to streamline plan management.
• Team Leadership & Supervision: Lead and manage the workload distribution for the administrative team, ensuring the timely and accurate completion of tasks as requested by plan sponsors.
• Staff Development & Training: Provide ongoing training and mentorship to staff in all aspects of plan administration, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance and best practices.
• Regulatory Awareness & Updates: Stay abreast of legislative and regulatory changes, conducting review sessions to update staff on relevant developments and ensuring compliance with the latest industry standards.
• Research & Problem-Solving: Address complex legal and technical questions from staff, marketing, agents, and clients, providing expert insights and solutions to ensure smooth plan administration.

Experience and Certifications Required:

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 8-10 years of experience with qualified retirement plans (defined benefit and defined contribution).
• ASPPA designations (QKA, QPA, CPC, APA) are essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong mathematical background, and proficient computer skills.
• Analytical, organized, self-motivated, and able to multitask in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to effectively lead, mentor, and coach team members.

Skills Required:

• Experience with Small/Micro/Solo Plans: Proven expertise in administering small, micro, and Solo 401(k) plans, with a strong understanding of their unique needs and complexities.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, acting as the primary point of contact for clients, providing excellent service, and addressing their needs effectively.
• Cross-Testing & 401(a)(4) Testing: In-depth experience with cross-testing and 401(a)(4) testing, particularly within profit-sharing plans, ensuring compliance and optimization of plan design.
• Combo Plan Communication: Ability to clearly explain the Defined Benefit (DB) and Cash Balance portions of combo plans, understanding that DB administration is outsourced but requiring proficiency in communicating these components.
• ASPPA/NIPA Designations: ASPPA or NIPA designations (QKA, QPA, CPC, APA) are essential. Candidates without these certifications must present a strong case for their qualifications and expertise.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and coach team members in a team-lead capacity, ensuring high performance and continuous professional development.
• Relius Expertise: Relius experience is essential, with a solid understanding of its functionality in pension administration, government filings, and plan management.

Details