Defined Benefit Team Leader

Nova 401(k) Associates; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, disability, and life

Paid time off

401(k) plan with employer match

Job summary

Nova 401(k) Associates is seeking a Team Leader for the Defined Benefit (DB) Team. You will lead a group of actuaries and DB specialists, guiding work quality, deadlines, and client service across DB and combo plans.

You will train and develop junior staff, set goals, support performance reviews, and help shape team policies while staying current with retirement plan regulations. This is a remote US-based leadership role with periodic travel.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of retirement plan experience with defined benefit or cash balance plans.
• 5+ years of supervisory or management experience in retirement plans.
• Credentials such as NIPA, ASPPA, EA, ASA preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required; actuarial science/finance/business degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, IRC, Treasury Regulations and nondiscrimination testing.
• Ability to manage workload toward weekly goals in a results-oriented team.
• Ability to interpret pre-approved and plan documents.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong organizational skills.
• Coachable, lifelong learner; leadership through others.
• Balance quality, timeliness, and team capacity when making decisions.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of 10-15 actuaries and DB specialists with quality oversight and performance tracking.
• Champion Nova's values by modeling leadership and aligning work with company goals.
• Develop team members through coaching, training and feedback.
• Collaborate with Combo AM, Sales, and leadership; escalate complex DB issues.
• Stay current with new regulations and proposed legislation affecting plans.
• Coordinate Nova's annual broker cash balance plan external webinar.
• Oversee DB plan termination processes and streamline related workflows.
• Build a team and processes for accurate distribution packages for DB plans.
• Manage client projects by prioritizing, communicating progress, and ensuring timely deliverables.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Actuarial/science/finance related

Job description

Nova 401(k) Associates is hiring a Team Leader for the Defined Benefit (DB) Team. This role leads Nova's Defined Benefit Team and manages a team of actuaries and DB specialists with accountability for team performance, staff development, client service quality, and continuous improvement across DB and combo plan work.

The Team Leader will train, coach, and develop junior staff; set goals; support performance reviews; help shape team policies; resolve complex service issues; strengthen core processes; and help the team deliver accurate, timely work while supporting Nova's culture and business goals. Success in this role is measured primarily by the effectiveness, development, and results of the team. Qualified candidates should have at least ten years of retirement plan industry experience and five years of supervisory or management experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a team of 10-15 actuaries and DB specialists, including oversight of service quality for internal and external combo plan clients, progress against Nova's performance metrics, training and feedback for team members, and completion of salary and performance reviews
• Champion Nova's values and policies by modeling strong leadership, reinforcing expectations, and helping team members understand how their work supports company goals
• Develop team members through ongoing coaching, training, feedback, and support throughout the year
• This role works closely with Nova's Combo AM, Sales, and leadership teams and serves as an escalation point for complex DB and combo plan service issues
• Keep current with new regulations and legislation as well as an awareness of proposed regulations and legislation
• Assist with coordinating Nova's annual broker cash balance plan external webinar
• Oversee the DB plan termination process and help design a strategy to streamline that process
• Build a team and process to efficiently and accurately complete distribution packages for the DB plans
• Manage client special projects by coordinating priorities, communicating progress, and helping ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on time
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

• 10+ years of retirement plan industry experience, including significant experience with defined benefit plans, cash balance plans, or combo plan administration
• 5+ years of supervisory or management experience in the retirement plan field
• Relevant retirement plan credentials preferred, such as NIPA, ASPPA, EA, ASA, or other actuarial or retirement plan credentials
• Bachelor's degree required; degree in actuarial science, mathematics, finance, accounting, business, or a related field preferred
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and nondiscrimination testing, including ADP/ACP, 415, 410(b), Top Heavy, and 401(a)(4) requirements
• Ability to manage and prioritize workload towards weekly goals in a results-oriented team environment
• Able to interpret provisions of pre-approved and individually designed plan documents
• Strong research and analytical skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills
• Superior organizational skills
• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to multi-task
• High level of critical thinking
• Committed to lifelong learning and coachable
• Demonstrated ability to lead through others, coach technical staff, make decisions in complex client situations, communicate clearly with internal partners, and balance quality, timeliness, and team capacity

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range: $120,000-$150,000
• Salaried, exempt
• Medical, dental, disability, and life insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) plan with employer match

Work Location/Hours

• Work from home
• Must work from within the United States and be authorized to work for any U.S. employer
• We will supply all necessary computer equipment
• You may choose a start time between 7:30 am and 9:00 am Central Tim
• Expected to travel to Houston, TX, 3-4 times per year for leadership meetings and team-building activities

We get it. We listen. We communicate.