Future Opportunities: Retirement Implementation Specialist

The Wrap; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gusto is seeking an Implementation Specialist to oversee end-to-end onboarding for 401(k) plans on the Gusto platform. You’ll manage new plan setups and conversions, guiding sponsors and administrators through multi-step processes with precision and client focus.

Ideal candidates will have 4+ years of experience in client-facing implementation, strong knowledge of SaaS and 401(k) regulations, and experience with Salesforce.

Qualifications

• 4+ years total work experience with 3+ years in client-facing implementation or retirement plan administration.
• Experience with SaaS platforms, onboarding, and large book of business management.
• Familiarity with ERISA, 401(k) plans, and payroll systems a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to data accuracy and reconciliation.
• Proficiency with Salesforce and collaboration tools; client-first mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage a dedicated book of business of 401(k) plans from signing through activation and first contribution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for plan sponsors and administrators via email, phone, and video.
• Guide employers through pre-ready task dashboards and proactive follow-ups to keep plans on track.
• Monitor performance against benchmarks like time to activate, time to ready, CSAT, and response time.
• For conversion plans, gather required documentation and support asset transfers and recordkeeping transitions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Legal to resolve setup and compliance issues.
• Surface client feedback to product and leadership for platform improvements; stay current on 401(k) regs.
• Leverage AI tools to streamline workflows and improve client communications.

Skills

Client-facing

Implementation

Account management

SaaS

Onboarding

Salesforce

Data reconciliation

AI tools

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

About Gusto

At Gusto, we're on a mission to grow the small business economy. We handle the hard stuff — payroll, health insurance, 401(k)s, and HR — so owners can focus on their craft and their customers. With teams in Denver, San Francisco, and New York, we support more than 500,000 small businesses nationwide and are building a workplace that reflects the people we serve.

All full-time employees receive competitive base pay, benefits, and equity (RSUs) — because everyone who helps build Gusto should share in its success. Offer amounts are determined by role, level, and location. Learn more about our Total Rewards philosophy.

AI is a fundamental part of how work gets done at Gusto. We expect all team members to actively engage with AI tools relevant to their role and grow their fluency as the technology evolves. AI experience requirements vary by role and will be assessed during the interview process.

About the Role

The Implementation Specialist manages the end-to-end onboarding experience for 401(k) plans on the Gusto platform, spanning both new plan implementations and conversions from existing retirement plan providers. Depending on team assignment, this role guides plan sponsors and administrators through either a new plan setup or a full conversion lifecycle (from initial handoff through asset transfer, data reconciliation, and first contribution). The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, and experienced in client-facing implementation — comfortable managing a high-volume book of business, maintaining meticulous attention to detail, and confidently guiding employers through complex, multi-step processes. They work exclusively with plan sponsors and administrators and bring both operational rigor and a client-first mindset to every interaction.

About the Team

The Retirement Onboarding team oversees two of the most consequential moments in a client's journey with Gusto 401(k): launching a brand-new plan and transitioning an existing one to a new provider. The New Plans pod designs a seamless implementation experience from day one, instilling trust and laying the foundation for long-term client success. The Conversion pod handles operationally complex asset transfers with precision, ensuring sponsors and administrators feel supported at every step and that assets move accurately and on time. Across both, we combine operational excellence with a client-first approach.

Here's what you'll do day-to-day

• Manage a dedicated book of business of 401(k) plans — new enterprise/starter plans, conversion plans, or both — from signing through activation, asset transfer, and first contribution processing
• Serve as the primary point of contact for plan sponsors and administrators via email, phone, and video — including inbound scheduling through Calendly
• Guide employers through pre-ready task dashboards, proactively following up to prevent stalls and keep plans on track for their plan start date
• Monitor and drive performance against key benchmarks including time to activate, time to ready, CSAT, and average response time
• For conversion plans: gather required documentation, support accurate data submission, and partner with Operations to ensure smooth asset transfers and recordkeeping transitions
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Legal to resolve setup and compliance issues and align on client expectations
• Surface client feedback to product and leadership to inform platform improvements, and stay current on 401(k) regulations and best practices
• Use AI tools to streamline workflows, improve client communications, and increase efficiency across your book of business

Here's what we're looking for

• 4+ years of total work experience with 3+ years in client-facing implementation, account management, technical onboarding, or retirement plan administration; startup and/or financial services experience a plus
• Proven ability to manage a large, active book of business involving complex, multi-step processes simultaneously while staying organized and proactive across competing priorities
• Deep knowledge in one or more of the following: SaaS, Operations, or Finance; retirement plan experience strongly preferred; familiarity with 401(k) plans, ERISA requirements, payroll systems, bundled vs. unbundled providers, or Safe Harbor compliance is a plus
• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail, particularly around data accuracy and reconciliation
• Proficiency with Salesforce and comfort working across case management and collaboration tools in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills across email, phone, and video with a client-first mindset
• Ability to identify and elevate potential setup or compliance issues early, partnering with the right internal teams to resolve them
• RPS or CRPS designation a plus, or active pursuit of either

Gusto has physical office spaces in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City. Employees who are based in those locations will be expected to work from the office on designated days approximately 2-3 days per week (or more depending on role). The same office expectations apply to all Symmetry roles, Gusto's subsidiary, whose physical office is in Scottsdale.

Note: The San Francisco office expectations encompass both the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas.

When approved to work from a location other than a Gusto office, a secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection is required. This includes non-office days for hybrid employees.

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for small businesses, you will find a home at Gusto.

Gusto is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. Gusto considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Gusto is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. We want to see our candidates perform to the best of their ability. If you require a medical or religious accommodation at any time throughout your candidate journey, please fill out this form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

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Personal information collected and processed as part of your Gusto application will be subject to Gusto's Applicant Privacy Notice.