Retirement Plan Document/Design Manager

Alerus Financial; West Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base pay + bonus

Health benefits

Retirement plans (401(k) and ESOP)

Paid time off

Professional development

Volunteer time and donation match

Job summary

Alerus Financial is seeking a Plan Document Manager to lead a small team of plan document experts and manage related projects. You will coach and develop team members, ensuring high-quality outputs and strong client service.

The role partners with Compliance to maintain service standards and drive operational effectiveness across the team. The position balances supervision with mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and escalation support to deliver excellent retirement plan documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven leadership experience, including mentoring or team management.
• Deep knowledge of retirement plan documents, interpretation, and use.
• QKA credential strongly recommended; candidates pursuing it will be considered.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset and experience with process enhancements.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities.
• Ability to interpret documents and resolve technical problems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of plan document experts and manage team projects.
• Coach, develop, and guide team members for performance and growth.
• Collaborate with Compliance to ensure service standards and governance.
• Balance hands-on supervision with mentorship and escalation support.
• Provide cross-functional consultation and guidance to internal partners and clients.
• Oversee audits, procedures, and process adherence.
• Participate in onboarding and ongoing training of new staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Communication

Project Management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree (business-related)

QKA credential recommended

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

WHO ARE WE:

Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

CORE VALUES:

Passion for Excellence :: Success is Never Final :: Do the Right Thing :: One Alerus

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a Plan Document Manager, you will play a critical role in both people leadership and client service excellence. In addition to leading a small team of plan document experts, you will manage team-related projects (e.g., restatements) and have direct responsibility for coaching, developing, and guiding team members.

This role serves as the subject matter expert on retirement plan documents and partners closely with Compliance leadership to ensure consistent execution of service standards, support associate growth and performance, and drive operational effectiveness across the team. The position balances hands‑on supervision, mentorship, escalation support, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver high‑quality outcomes for clients and associates alike.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• While the primary focus will be leading a small team of plan document experts, you will also manage projects that impact the team. It is important to ensure balanced workload distribution, maintain high-quality deliverables, and drive strong cross‑functional communication with key stakeholders.
• Monitor team performance and productivity while identifying risks, training needs, and improvement opportunities; partner with leadership on performance management (including recognition, corrective action, and succession planning); and support client and operational escalations by collaborating to drive timely, effective resolutions.
• Leverage industry expertise to help set and prioritize team objectives, providing consultative insights and guidance to both internal partners and clients as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal cross functional partners.
• Provide oversight and support related to audits, procedures, and process adherence.
• Participate in onboarding and ongoing training of new team members.
• Help drive operational improvements through participation in new initiatives and process rollouts.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Bachelor's Degree in a business‑related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, either through formal team management or by mentoring, training, or guiding peers in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment.
• Depth of knowledge of retirement plan document provisions, interpretation, and operational application.
• QKA credential (Qualified 401(k) Administrator) is strongly recommended; candidates actively pursuing the designation or with equivalent expertise will be considered.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement, with a history of contributing to process enhancements or operations efficiency efforts.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with internal and external clients.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities.
• Ability to interpret documents and resolve technical problems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well‑being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company‑paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

BASE PAY: $95,000 - $105,000 based on experience.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.