Assistant Pension Manager

IAM National Benefit Funds Office; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision benefits

Pension plan

401(k) plan with company match

Generous vacation & holidays

Job summary

The IAM National Benefit Funds Office is seeking an Assistant Pension Manager in Washington, DC to support the Pension Department under the Director of Pension. You will lead a team of Pension Analysts, ensure ERISA compliance, and drive operational efficiency while delivering accurate service to participants.

Responsibilities include overseeing workflow, reviewing QDROs, payroll and HR items, and coordinating with Counsel and actuarial reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination with pension administration experience.
• Experience leading staff using goals, metrics, and coaching.
• Strong knowledge of pension rules, ERISA, and related regulations.
• Proven project management skills with ability to handle competing priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to lead effective meetings with clear agendas.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily workflow and assign work items to analysts in line with ERISA rules and fund policies.
• Review pension files for awards, recalculations, and QDROs before processing.
• Oversee review of legal documents and HR-related items including payroll and leave requests.
• Monitor metrics to identify risks and drive process improvements.
• Compile and distribute Monthly Accuracy and Work Reports; advise on performance.
• Provide coaching and professional development to Pension Analysts.
• Collaborate across departments on projects and system enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

ERISA knowledge

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

BAS system

Spreadsheets (Excel)

Job description

Location: IAM National Benefit Funds Office, Washington, DC

The IAM National Pension Fund is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Assistant Pension Manager to support the Pension Department. This role works closely with the Director of Pension to achieve departmental goals, ensure compliance with ERISA and other applicable regulations, and deliver accurate, timely service to participants. The Assistant Manager will provide daily direction and leadership to a team of Pension Analysts and Senior Pension Analysts, focusing on operational efficiency, staff development, and quality assurance.

Operational Oversight

• Manage daily workflow and assign work items to analysts in alignment with ERISA rules, Fund policies, and applicable laws.
• Conduct periodic review of pension files for benefit awards, recalculations, and Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) before processing.
• Review employment verifications, divorce decrees, and other legal documents as required.
• Oversee preparation of appeal cases for Board of Trustees meetings, including reviewing and revising analyst write-ups.
• Review and approve payroll, leave requests, and other HR-related items.
• Monitor departmental metrics to identify risks, workflow gaps, and process improvements.

Quality Control & Reporting

• Compile and distribute Monthly Accuracy and Work Reports; advise analysts on performance and accuracy rates.
• Ensure timely and accurate responses to participant, beneficiary, and regulatory inquiries.
• Review and authorize calculations and documentation related to QDROs, including correspondence with Fund Counsel and actuarial review.
• Support testing and implementation of Benefit Administration System (BAS) modules with the IT Department to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and ongoing professional development to Pension Analysts.
• Train staff in the rules of the National Pension Plan and prior/merger Plans.
• Communicate plan updates, departmental procedures, and Fund-related issues to analysts.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Work with the Executive Director, the Director of Pension, HR Director, Legal Department, and other leaders to address employee relations issues and, when necessary, administer disciplinary actions.
• Gain and maintain knowledge of collective bargaining agreements affecting pension administration.
• Collaborate across departments on projects, system enhancements, and process automation.
• Ensure strict confidentiality of participant and Fund information at all times.

Qualifications and Preferred Attributes

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of some college and relevant pension administration experience. All candidates must possess the following combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Experience working with multi-employer pension fund plans required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and develop staff using goals, metrics, and coaching.
• Strong knowledge of pension rules, benefit calculations, ERISA, and related regulations.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication (oral and written), and customer service skills.
• Ability to prepare and lead effective meetings with clear agendas.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, reporting, and benefit administration systems.
• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and fiduciary responsibility.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed based on departmental workload.
• This is a Non-Bargaining Unit Management Position.

Employees at the IAM Benefit Funds Office enjoy:

• Comprehensive and fully employer-funded health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous vacation and holiday policies
• Fully employer-funded defined-benefit pension plan.
• 401(k) plan with employee participation option.
• Many other exciting guaranteed and optional benefits.