Retirement Plans Administrator – Pension & 401(k)

Burnett Specialists; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Burnett Specialists in Houston, TX seeks a seasoned Retirement Plans Administrator to oversee defined contribution and defined benefit plans, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner with vendors. The role focuses on interpreting plan provisions, resolving complex inquiries, and ensuring accurate benefit administration.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of retirement plans experience, strong ERISA knowledge, and proven ability to manage relationships with recordkeepers,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years of retirement plan administration experience.
• Experience administering qualified 401(k) and/or defined benefit plans.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, IRS and DOL regulations.
• Experience with plan recordkeepers, TPAs, and external auditors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day retirement plan administration for defined contribution and defined benefit plans.
• Explain plan provisions and options; resolve complex employee questions.
• Coordinate with third-party administrators, recordkeepers, and actuaries.
• Monitor regulatory compliance and support audits and annual filings.
• Partner with accounting and benefits teams to reconcile plan data and prepare filings.
• Lead research on plan enhancements and present recommendations.

Skills

Retirement plan administration

ERISA knowledge

Vendor management

Analytical skills

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Finance/HR

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

HRIS

Job description

Location: Energy Corridor Length: 6-month temporary assignment, could be extended Pay Rate: $35-40/hr., DOE Pre-Employment Details: Will be required to complete a background check and drug screen prior to starting

Are you a retirement benefits expert who knows the ins and outs of pension and 401(k) plans? We’re seeking a seasoned Retirement Plans Administrator to oversee retirement plan operations, ensure regulatory compliance, partner with external providers, and serve as a trusted resource for employees and retirees. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys solving complex problems, interpreting plan provisions, and making a meaningful impact on retirement benefits administration.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee Retirement Plan Operations: Manage the day-to-day administration of defined contribution and defined benefit plans, including 401(k) accounts, pension payments, participant loans, required distributions, beneficiary transfers, vesting, and eligibility.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert: Interpret plan documents and provisions, explain available benefits and options, and resolve complex questions from employees, retirees, and former employees.
• Manage Vendor Relationships: Coordinate with third-party administrators, recordkeepers, trustees, actuaries, and other service providers to ensure accurate and timely plan administration.
• Maintain Compliance: Monitor adherence to applicable retirement plan regulations and support ongoing audits, reporting requirements, annual filings, and plan financial reviews.
• Support Financial Reporting: Partner with internal accounting and benefits teams to reconcile plan data, investigate discrepancies, and prepare documentation for internal and external audits.
• Lead Research and Special Projects: Analyze complex plan administration issues, research potential plan enhancements, and develop recommendations in collaboration with leadership and outside advisors.
• Stay Current on Regulations: Track changes in retirement plan legislation and regulatory requirements, helping update employee communications and plan-related materials.
• Drive Process Improvements: Identify opportunities to streamline procedures, improve accuracy, and increase operational efficiency.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field, along with 10+ years of retirement plan administration experience. Candidates with 15+ years of directly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Recent, hands-on experience administering qualified 401(k) and/or defined benefit pension plans.
• Strong understanding of retirement plan documents, plan provisions, eligibility, vesting, and benefit distributions.
• Working knowledge of ERISA and applicable IRS and Department of Labor regulations.
• Experience working with retirement plan recordkeepers, third-party administrators, and online vendor platforms.
• Strong analytical, research, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to handle sensitive or challenging participant inquiries with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with SAP, SuccessFactors, or other HR information systems is a plus.
• The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively across teams.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Take the next step in your retirement benefits career with a role that combines technical expertise, regulatory compliance, vendor oversight, and meaningful employee support. You’ll have the opportunity to influence retirement plan processes, solve challenging issues, and help ensure participants receive accurate information and dependable service.