Director of Retirement Plans

Windward Recruiting; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company contributions

Profit sharing

Paid time off

Parental leave

Professional development opportunities

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Windward Recruiting is seeking a Director of Retirement Plans to lead an established retirement plan platform within a growing wealth management organization in Wisconsin. You will guide client relationships, oversee plan design, and drive service excellence for commercial clients and prospects.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in retirement plan services, deep ERISA knowledge, and proven leadership. You will develop teams, collaborate with banking and private wealth colleagues, and elevate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience within retirement plan services, wealth management, or institutional consulting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including coaching, managing, and developing teams.
• Broad experience across retirement plan consulting, client service, plan design, and relationship management.
• Strong understanding of ERISA regulations, fiduciary responsibilities, and retirement plan best practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly and confidently.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior relationship lead for retirement plan clients, providing consultative guidance to plan sponsors and investment committees.
• Deliver a consistent, high-touch fiduciary experience while supporting clients in achieving their long-term retirement plan objectives.
• Partner closely with both banking and private wealth teams to support the delivery of retirement plan solutions and strengthen existing referral relationships.
• Participate in client and prospect conversations alongside internal partners, providing subject matter expertise and strategic insight.
• Identify opportunities to deepen existing client relationships and expand services where aligned with client needs and organizational objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of retirement plan professionals, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented, and accountable culture.
• Support succession planning efforts, talent development initiatives, and the recruitment and onboarding of new team members as the business evolves.
• Manage relationships with recordkeepers, vendors, and strategic partners to ensure operational efficiency and a high-quality client experience.
• Maintain strong governance, compliance, and fiduciary oversight practices, ensuring adherence to ERISA requirements and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the retirement plan platform, evaluating opportunities to strengthen capabilities and adapt to changing client needs.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory developments, retirement plan strategies, and market conditions to support clients and internal stakeholders effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship management

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance

Job description

We are seeking a Director of Retirement Plans to lead an established retirement plan platform within a growing wealth management organization. This leadership opportunity offers the ability to guide a highly regarded business, support meaningful client relationships, and contribute to the continued evolution of a key service offering for commercial clients and prospects.

The ideal candidate is an experienced retirement plan professional and leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong relationship management skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for developing teams and enhancing client outcomes.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a senior relationship lead for retirement plan clients, providing consultative guidance to plan sponsors and investment committees.
• Deliver a consistent, high-touch fiduciary experience while supporting clients in achieving their long-term retirement plan objectives.
• Partner closely with both banking and private wealth teams to support the delivery of retirement plan solutions and strengthen existing referral relationships.
• Participate in client and prospect conversations alongside internal partners, providing subject matter expertise and strategic insight.
• Identify opportunities to deepen existing client relationships and expand services where aligned with client needs and organizational objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of retirement plan professionals, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented, and accountable culture.
• Support succession planning efforts, talent development initiatives, and the recruitment and onboarding of new team members as the business evolves.
• Manage relationships with recordkeepers, vendors, and strategic partners to ensure operational efficiency and a high-quality client experience.
• Maintain strong governance, compliance, and fiduciary oversight practices, ensuring adherence to ERISA requirements and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the retirement plan platform, evaluating opportunities to strengthen capabilities and adapt to changing client needs.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory developments, retirement plan strategies, and market conditions to support clients and internal stakeholders effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience within retirement plan services, wealth management, or institutional consulting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including coaching, managing, and developing teams.
• Broad experience across retirement plan consulting, client service, plan design, and relationship management.
• Strong understanding of ERISA regulations, fiduciary responsibilities, and retirement plan best practices.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with clients, prospects, and internal partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly and confidently.
• Working knowledge of portfolio management principles, financial markets, and financial planning concepts.
• Experience participating in or supporting client and prospective client discussions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with commercial banking, wealth management, and other internal business partners.
• Professional designations such as CFP, CWS, or similar credentials are preferred but not required.
• FINRA licenses (Series 7, 65, or 66) are not required but may enhance success within the role.
• Willingness to travel as needed throughout Wisconsin to support client relationships and internal partnerships.

Compensation is competitive and based on experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) participation with company contributions, profit sharing, professional development opportunities, wellness initiatives, and additional employee benefits.