Senior Retirement Manager

Morrison Foerster; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Industry-leading parental leave

Global wellness program

Education reimbursement

Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution

Job summary

Morrison & Foerster LLP is seeking a Senior Retirement Manager to lead the design and administration of U.S. retirement plans. This role is vital for ensuring compliance and operational excellence while managing a team of retirement professionals. A minimum of 7 years' experience in retirement plan administration and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field are required. The position offers competitive salaries ranging from $184k to $230k in San Francisco, along with comprehensive benefits including advanced wellness programs and education reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in retirement plan administration with expertise in Partner Cash Balance and 401(k) plans.
• 3+ years managing and developing HR professionals.
• Expert knowledge of DC and DB plan administration, design, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, strategy, and administration of U.S. retirement plans.
• Manage, mentor, and develop retirement professionals.
• Ensure full regulatory and ERISA compliance.

Skills

Retirement plan administration

Management experience

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Excel proficiency

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

HRIS platforms

Job description

Senior Retirement Manager

Locations: San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California

Position Type: Human Resources

Overview

Join MoFo as Senior Retirement Manager on our Human Resources team! This role can be based in San Francisco or Los Angeles.

About the Role

The Senior Retirement Manager leads the design, strategy, and administration of the firm’s U.S. retirement plans and Partner Owned Life Insurance (POLI) program. As the firm’s subject matter expert in retirement benefits, this role oversees a team and drives regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and investment integrity. The Senior Manager administers the Retirement Committee, collaborates closely with internal ERISA counsel, and partners with HR leadership, Finance, Legal, and external vendors to strengthen and continuously improve the firm’s retirement programs and practices.

Leadership & Team Management

• Manages, mentors, and develops a team of retirement professionals; sets goals and workflows aligned with HR and firm strategy.
• Drives a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality service; serves as escalation point for complex retirement matters.

Retirement Plan Strategy & Administration

• Provides strategic and operational oversight of the firm’s DC, DB, and POLI programs, including plan design analysis and recommendations to HR leadership.
• Leads annual audits, government filings (Form 5500s, 1099s, PBGC), and actuarial coordination; ensures full regulatory and ERISA compliance.
• Oversees claims and appeals, data integrity, participant contributions and distributions, and cross-functional HRIS/Payroll partnerships.
• Manages external advisors, recordkeepers, and plan administrators; directs plan documents, SPDs, and participant communications.
• Leads benchmarking, plan improvement initiatives, and project implementations; partners with Finance on budgeting and expense monitoring.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Leads vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management for retirement and POLI programs.

Analytics & Reporting

• Develops dashboards and statistical reporting on utilization, costs, and demographics; delivers data-driven recommendations to HR leadership and firm management.

Professional Development

• Stays current on legislative and regulatory trends; champions HRIS tools and participates in firm-wide HR initiatives to enhance service delivery.

About You

• 7+ years in retirement plan administration with deep expertise in Partner Cash Balance and 401(k) plans; POLI experience preferred.
• 3+ years managing and developing HR professionals.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, Finance, or related field required.
• Background in professional services or law firm settings strongly preferred.
• Expert knowledge of DC and DB plan administration, design, and compliance, including ERISA, PBGC, and applicable tax law.
• Experience leading plan audits, government filings, and compliance activities.
• QKA, QPA, CRPS, or equivalent designation preferred.
• Advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables); proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms.
• Strategic thinker with the discipline to maintain operational excellence in day-to-day administration.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communicator able to translate technical subject matter for non-technical audiences.
• Skilled relationship-builder who influences effectively across all levels and functions.
• High integrity, discretion with confidential information, and sharp attention to detail.

Benefits

MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit‑sharing contribution.

Compensation

San Francisco salary range: $184k to $230k

Los Angeles salary range: $175k to $222k

Equal Opportunity

Morrison & Foerster is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, and other categories protected by applicable laws, or in retaliation for opposition to any practices forbidden under this policy. Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.