Manager, Benefits & Retirement

ACCO Brands; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global product manufacturer is seeking a seasoned Benefits & Retirement Manager to oversee the administration and compliance of its U.S. benefits programs. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in benefits administration, strong knowledge of regulations such as ERISA and ACA, and excellent vendor management skills. This role focuses on ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance across health, welfare, pension, and 401(k) plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in benefits and retirement plan administration.
• Proven ability to engage effectively across all levels.
• Demonstrated ethical judgment and fiduciary responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day administration of health, welfare, pension, and 401(k) plans.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, and other regulations.
• Manage relationships with third-party administrators, recordkeepers, brokers, and consultants.

Skills

Expert-level knowledge of ERISA

Vendor management

Compliance initiatives

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Advanced degree or CEBS preferred

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Benefits & Retirement Manager to lead the administration, compliance, and strategic oversight of our U.S. benefits and retirement programs. This role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and fiduciary integrity across all benefit offerings—including health, welfare, pension, and 401(k) plans.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day administration of health, welfare, pension, and 401(k) plans.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125, and other applicable regulations.
• Serve as a plan fiduciary, ensuring prudent oversight of plan operations and participant interests.
• Manage relationships with third-party administrators, recordkeepers, brokers, and consultants.
• Lead annual compliance testing, Form 5500 filings, and audit coordination.
• Review and negotiate vendor contracts and service agreements.
• Develop and maintain plan documents, SPDs, and employee communications.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, and HR teams to support strategic initiatives and resolve complex issues.
• Monitor regulatory changes and recommend policy updates as needed.
• Support M&A activity related to benefits and retirement integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field; advanced degree or CEBS preferred.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in benefits and retirement plan administration.
• Expert-level knowledge of ERISA, ACA, and IRS/DOL regulations governing pension and 401(k) plans.
• Proven ability to manage vendors, review contracts, and lead compliance initiatives.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to engage effectively across all levels.
• Demonstrated ethical judgment and fiduciary responsibility.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $140,000

About Us

You know our brands. You love our brands. You just may not know they are ours. If you have touched a PowerA gaming controller, a Five Star notebook, a Swingline stapler, a Quartet dry erase board, or a Kensington computer mouse, you have touched part of ACCO Brands Corporation. With annual revenues of over $1.7 billion, ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO) designs, markets, manufactures and sells branded academic, consumer and business products globally. The power of our brands, our unmatched global customer reach, and our strategic market strengths put us in a position to achieve global leadership and growth. We’re proud of our long history of industry leadership and innovation and are focused on delivering exceptional value to our customers by providing unique, cutting-edge, branded products.

Apply now and build a successful future with ACCO Brands.

Equal Opportunity Employer
ACCO Brands is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The company strives to create a winning culture with a leadership promise to provide equal access and opportunity for all to grow, succeed, and contribute to their full potential.

AODA
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities will be provided in all parts of the recruiting process as required under the ACCO Brands Canada AODA policy. Applicants are asked to make their needs known in advance.