Benefits Manager - Posting

Spectrum Careers; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading benefits management firm is seeking a Manager for their Retirement Programs to oversee governance, administration, and compliance of enterprise retirement benefit programs. This role requires a Bachelor's degree, strong analytical skills, and a minimum of six years of experience in retirement or benefits programs. The successful candidate will manage multiple priorities and develop reports for senior leadership, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. This position offers opportunities for collaboration and continuous improvement within the benefits function.

Qualifications

• Six or more years of experience supporting retirement or benefits programs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead governance and compliance of retirement benefit programs.
• Manage relationships with recordkeepers and auditors.
• Analyze plan data and prepare reports for leadership.
• Provide guidance and support to retirement program staff.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field

Job description

Manager, Retirement Programs

Position Overview

This role leads the governance, administration, and compliance of enterprise retirement benefit programs, including both defined contribution and defined benefit plans, within a large, complex corporate environment. As part of a centralized benefits team, the Manager serves as a subject matter expert, oversees outsourced partners, manages audits and filings, and supports strategic initiatives tied to risk management, employee experience, and organizational change.

The position partners closely with senior leadership, internal stakeholders, and external advisors, and plays a key role in regulatory compliance, M&A-related plan activity, and long-term retirement program strategy at a Fortune-scale organization (General Dynamics).

Core Responsibilities

Plan Governance & Compliance

• Ensure retirement programs are administered in accordance with governing plan documents and applicable regulatory requirements
• Oversee compliance testing and monitoring for both defined contribution and pension plans
• Lead implementation of regulatory or legislative changes impacting retirement programs
• Manage required regulatory filings and submissions, including annual reports and corrective filings as needed
• Coordinate voluntary correction initiatives when applicable

Vendor & Audit Oversight

• Manage relationships with recordkeepers, administrators, actuaries, auditors, and other external partners
• Ensure service quality, data integrity, and adherence to contractual timelines
• Coordinate and respond to benefit plan audits and governmental inquiries
• Resolve complex participant, vendor, and operational issues, escalating when appropriate

Reporting, Analytics & Communications

• Analyze plan data related to eligibility, participation, and operational performance using enterprise HR systems
• Develop executive-level reports and materials for internal committees and senior leadership
• Prepare or review employee communications, regulatory notices, and plan documentation
• Support retirement-related disclosures and governance reporting

  Leadership & Team Support

  • Provide day-to-day guidance and oversight to retirement program staff
  • Support performance management, coaching, and development efforts
  • Promote collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement across the benefits function

  Projects & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead cross-functional initiatives such as plan integrations, eligibility reviews, and compliance projects
  • Evaluate processes and controls to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience
  • Participate in special initiatives and ad hoc projects as business needs evolve

  Qualifications

  Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field
  • Six or more years of experience supporting retirement or benefits programs
  • Proven ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a deadline-driven environment
  • Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail
  • Clear, confident communicator capable of working across all organizational levels
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard business applications

  Preferred

  • Experience in a large, complex, or publicly traded organization
  • Strong working knowledge of retirement plan regulations, compliance, and fiduciary considerations