Leading retirement and financial benefit programs across the U.S. and Canada is the core of this role, which includes overseeing 401(k), cash balance, registered retirement savings, and financial wellness programs. The Manager will guide a team responsible for day-to-day administration, employee support, compliance coordination, and vendor relationships, while also improving processes and enhancing the employee experience. This position suits someone with expertise in retirement plans, particularly cash balance plans and registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) administration, who enjoys problem-solving, building relationships, and clarifying complex benefits topics.
Responsibilities
Lead the administration of retirement and financial benefit programs across the U.S. and Canada, including 401(k), cash balance, registered retirement saving plan (RRSP), and financial wellness programs
Lead, coach, and support a team responsible for program administration, employee questions, issue resolution, and operational execution
Act as a trusted resource on retirement plan administration, including cash balance plan and registered retirement savings plan provisions, participant questions, stakeholder guidance, and employee communications
Help manage cash balance plan operations, including the review of annual interest credits and pay credits, participant data reviews, benefit calculations, and eligibility questions
Support cash balance plan governance and compliance by assisting with plan document reviews, required notices, annual funding and census requests, audit support, nondiscrimination testing coordination, and clear participant-facing explanations of plan features and account balance changes
Partner with Payroll, Finance, Legal, Compliance, HRIS, People Business Partners, and external vendors to deliver programs accurately, compliantly, and on time
Build strong vendor partnerships, manage escalations, support reporting needs, and identify process improvements that make the employee experience smoother and more consistent
Create clear employee communications, FAQs, presentations, and educational materials that make retirement and financial benefit programs easy to understand
Support Benefits strategy by analyzing benefits data (including but not limited to program effectiveness, market competitiveness, employee experience and cost trends) to support decision-making, reporting and program recommendations
Lead or support projects such as RFPs, annual enrollment, plan changes, vendor transitions, service model enhancements, policy updates, and employee education campaigns
Stay current on U.S. and Canadian retirement, financial benefit, and compliance requirements, and share relevant updates and recommendations with key stakeholders
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
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6+ years of progressive Total Rewards/Benefits experience, ideally with a strong focus on retirement plan administration, including 401(k), cash balance plans and registered retirement savings plans
Experience working with recordkeepers, actuaries, auditors, legal counsel, payroll, finance, and HR partners to support accurate and compliant retirement plan administration
Working knowledge of retirement plan compliance, including ERISA, plan documentation, audits, nondiscrimination testing, participant notices, and related governance activities
Ability to explain complex retirement plan provisions, cash balance plan concepts, and compliance requirements in a clear, practical, and approachable way
Advanced analytical skills with expertise in data analysis, financial modeling, and benefits cost projections
Proven experience with HRIS (Workday) and benefits administration platforms
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle complex, multi-faceted benefits issues
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and interact effectively with senior executives and employees at all levels
Demonstrated project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams
Ability to manage confidential information with the highest level of discretion
Benefits
Healthcare plans
Flexible spending and savings accounts
Life, AD&D, and disability coverages
401(k) retirement savings plan with an annual discretionary contribution
Paid time off including vacation, personal days, seventy-two (72) hours of sick time (prorated for part time employees), ten federal holidays, one floating holiday, and parental leave
Discretionary bonus program
About the Company
Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a leading independent global professional services firm specializing in turnaround management, performance improvement, and corporate advisory services. With over 10,000 professionals based in 70+ locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the firm excels in problem-solving and value creation. Drawing on a strong operational heritage and hands-on approach, its professionals work closely with organizations and stakeholders to help tackle complex business issues and maximize value. At Alvarez & Marsal, core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity guide everything, shaping a culture rooted in entrepreneurship, impact, and integrity.
Alvarez & Marsal is a leading global professional services firm dedicated to helping organizations tackle their most complex business issues, maximize stakeholder value, and deliver sustainable change.
