Client Service Manager Retirement Plan Services

The Charles Schwab Corporation; Richfield Township (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

PTO & sabbatical

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Health/dental/vision insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Charles Schwab Corporation is seeking a Client Services Manager for its Defined Benefit Services team. You will serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of retirement plan clients, acting as a trusted advisor to sponsors, consultants, and stakeholders.

You will guide strategic discussions and help clients navigate regulatory and operational challenges. A successful candidate will develop retirement industry knowledge, relationship management skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Demonstrated experience managing client relationships.
• Ability to lead client discussions, influence stakeholders, and communicate complex concepts to varied audiences.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and driving outcomes across multiple service areas.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and relationship management skills; able to manage competing priorities in a client-focused environment.
• Willingness to travel for client visits and sales presentations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deepen relationships with a portfolio of defined benefit plan sponsors to support governance, operations, and client goals.
• Build trusted relationships with client decision-makers, consultants, and internal partners to ensure service delivery.
• Lead or participate in client meetings and business reviews on plan operations, initiatives, regulatory developments, and objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (actuarial, participant administration, trust/custody, compliance, operations) to deliver integrated solutions.
• Advise clients on retirement industry trends, regulatory changes, and service enhancements affecting their plans.
• Identify risks and operational challenges, driving proactive resolution and positive outcomes.
• Collaborate with sales and relationship teams to support retention and growth of Schwab relationships.
• Manage multiple client priorities and projects, ensuring quality service and timely execution.

Skills

Relationship management

Client communications

Cross-functional coordination

Project management

Travel willingness

Strategic partnership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Your Opportunity

At Schwab, you’re empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us “challenge the status quo” and transform the finance industry together.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, now and in the future, on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship.

We believe in the importance of in-office collaboration and fully intend for the selected candidate to work on site in the specified location.

Our Defined Benefit Services team partners with corporate plan sponsors to deliver actuarial, trust/custody, and participant administration services for defined benefit retirement plans. As a Client Services Manager, you will serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of retirement plan clients for the defined benefit side of their relationship, acting as a trusted advisor to plan sponsors, consultants, key stakeholders and a partner to the defined contribution Relationship Manager, where applicable.

A successful person in this role will develop a combination of retirement industry knowledge, relationship management skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to learn and navigate complex client situations. You will lead client interactions, guide strategic discussions, help clients navigate regulatory and operational challenges, and drive long-term client satisfaction and retention.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

• Manage and deepen relationships with a portfolio of corporate defined benefit plan sponsors, serving as a strategic partner to support plan governance, operational excellence, and client goals.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with client decision-makers, consultants, and internal partners to support successful plan administration and service delivery.
• Lead and/or attend client meetings, business reviews, and ongoing discussions regarding plan operations, service initiatives, regulatory developments, and client objectives, as needed.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including actuarial, participant administration, trust/custody, compliance, and operational partners to deliver integrated solutions.
• Consult with clients regarding retirement industry trends, legislative developments, operational considerations, and service enhancements impacting their plans.
• Identify risks, service concerns, and operational challenges while proactively driving resolution and ensuring positive client outcomes.
• Partner with sales and relationship management teams to support client retention, cross-sell opportunities, and overall growth of the Schwab relationship.
• Manage multiple client priorities and projects while ensuring quality service, timely execution, and adherence to regulatory and operational requirements.
• Act as an advocate for clients while balancing business objectives, risk management standards, and Schwab policies.

Why Join Schwab's Defined Benefit Team?

• Partner directly with large corporate plan sponsors and industry consultants.
• Work across actuarial, trust/custody, participant administration, and retirement operations disciplines.
• Develop expertise in one of the most specialized areas of the retirement industry.
• Influence meaningful outcomes for plan sponsors and retirement plan participants.
• Join a collaborative team committed to service excellence, innovation, and professional growth.

What you have

To ensure that we fulfill our promise of “challenging the status quo,” this role has specific qualifications that successful candidates should have.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client discussions, influence stakeholders, and communicate complex concepts to varied audiences.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and driving successful outcomes across multiple service areas.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and relationship management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a client-focused environment.
• Flexibility to travel for client visits and sales presentations as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of defined benefit plans, ERISA regulations, retirement industry practices, and emerging legislative developments affecting retirement plans.
• Experience supporting retirement plans, employee benefits, financial services, pension administration, or related functions.
• ASPPA, CEBS, NIPA, QPA, CPC, EA, or similar retirement industry designation.
• Experience working directly with pension consultants, plan fiduciaries, finance leaders, human resources professionals, and benefits administrators.
• Experience supporting complex corporate retirement plans in a client-facing capacity.

In addition to the salary range, this role is also eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities.

#workplacejobs

What’s in it for you

At Schwab, you’re empowered to shape your future. We champion your growth through meaningful work, continuous learning, and a culture of trust and collaboration—so you can build the skills to make a lasting impact. Our Hybrid Work and Flexibility approach balances our ongoing commitment to workplace flexibility, serving our clients, and our strong belief in the value of being together in person on a regular basis.

We offer a competitive benefits package that takes care of the whole you – both today and in the future:

• 401(k) with company match and Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid time for vacation, volunteering, and 28-day sabbatical after every 5 years of service for eligible positions
• Paid parental leave and family building benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance