Retirement Plans Manager

Bethesda, MD
Full-time
$65,000 - $170,000
Posted Nov 10, 2026

Skills

Accounting
Communication
Compliance
Leadership
Microsoft Excel
Operations
Payroll
Teamwork
SAP
Spanish
Tutoring
Workday

Job description

We are seeking a highly methodical, process-driven, and detail-oriented Retirement Plans Manager to join our Total Rewards team. This role will work in close partnership within the retirement team to co-manage the administration, governance, vendor relationships, and compliance requirements of Clark’s retirement programs.

Responsibilities

Process Execution & Operational Excellence

•Co-manage and actively participate in the day-to-day operations and administration of Clark’s retirement plans, maintaining rigorous adherence to established internal SOPs and governance workflows.

•Demonstrate uncompromising accuracy in executing routine and complex Plan calculations, reconciliations, and data auditing.

•Oversee the 401(k) weekly, biweekly, and ad hoc payroll funding. Perform accurate employee deferral and 401(k) match calculations in ad hoc situations.

•Apply Plan rules to the applicable data, perform iterative data scrubbing process, and participate in finalizing the annual Company Contribution calculations.

•Partner with accounting and finance to periodically forecast 401(k) match and Company Contribution expenses.

•Serve as a primary point of escalation for complex participant and operational issues, resolving them with clear rationale and documentation.

Compliance, Governance, and Audit

•Execute key compliance requirements, including annual ERISA Plan Audits, government disclosures/filings, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), internal audits, non-discrimination testing, and determination of highly compensated employees (HCEs).

•Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, including ERISA, SECURE Act, Davis-Bacon, DOL, and Internal Revenue Code (IRC) guidelines.

•Participate in the Retirement Plan investments subcommittee.

•Monitor regulatory updates, ERISA trends, and legal developments, assisting in maintaining and updating team documentation and SOPs as needed.

Vendor Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration

•Partner closely across the retirement team to maintain seamless, unified operations and shared accountability.

•Maintain strong, structured relationships with plan recordkeepers, third-party administrators, financial advisors, and service providers.

•Methodically evaluate and benchmark recordkeeper features, service options, and emerging capabilities to strategically enhance plan offerings, balancing innovation and forward-looking enhancements with internal bandwidth and priorities.

•Participate in periodic vendor Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and evaluations.

•Collaborate cross-functionally with payroll, finance, accounting, and HRIS teams on system configurations, payroll interfaces, and data quality.

Reporting & Communications

•Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual plan performance reports with a high degree of quantitative accuracy.

•Oversee structured employee retirement communications and educational outreach through multiple delivery channels (including jobsite and regional sessions).

•Lead the monthly live educational presentation for new hires.

Basic Qualifications

•8 years of experience in defined contribution plan administration, including team leadership experience.

•3 years of experience leading, developing and motivating teams

•Proven track record of operating within highly structured, process-oriented environments with a strong appreciation for established SOPs and operational guidelines.

•Deep expertise in defined contribution program regulations, including ERISA, SECURE Act, Davis-Bacon, DOL, and IRS guidelines.

•Exceptional quantitative, data reconciliation, and analytical techniques, with advanced proficiency in Excel.

•Clear, structured written and verbal communication skills with an ability to document processes and translate complex technical topics for diverse audiences.

•A methodical worker who insists on 100% accuracy, double-checks detail-heavy outputs, and respects documented procedures.

•Ability to build strong, respectful peer relationships based on shared accountability, active listening, and open communication.

•Takes complete ownership of assignments with a strong work ethic, unwavering dedication, and constant follow-through.

•Upholds strict discretion when managing sensitive financial and personal employee information.

Preferred Qualifications

•Bachelor’s degree preferred in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Analytics, or a related discipline.

•Direct experience with HRIS/Payroll platforms (Workday and/or SAP/EC Payroll preferred) and recordkeeper systems.

•Professional certifications such as CEBS, QKA, CPSP, PSCA, SHRM-CP/SCP, and/or S/PHR.

•Proficiency or working knowledge of Spanish is beneficial.

Why This is a Great Move

If you take pride in accuracy, thrive in structured environments with comprehensive processes, and value deep institutional knowledge and collaborative partnerships, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a lasting impact within Clark’s HR organization. Clark is a premier organization with outstanding people. We have a 100 year history of success and a reputation for both high quality work and people. Here you’ll be part of a team and culture that values people. You’ll work in a HR team with senior leaders that have a reputation for building team members’ careers, driving team engagement, and having an impact on the business. We are expanding our team and our influence. You can be yourself and be passionate about your work. And you’ll have a clear impact on the success of the business and the talent in your client groups. Come join our winning team!

The work environment and requirements described below are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.

The Physical Side of the Role: Given that a good portion of your day will be spent at a desk, you should be comfortable with prolonged periods of focused work, whether it's collaborating with colleagues, analyzing data, or developing strategies. The role demands effective communication and sharp visual acuity for reviewing complex documents and performing detailed computer work. While there are times for quiet concentration, you'll also be expected to move actively throughout the office and travel occasionally to various locations, including dynamic construction sites, utilizing different modes of transportation. The ability to lift and move objects up to 10 pounds regularly, and up to 25 pounds on occasion (think a box of files or small office equipment), is also required.

Your Work Environment: Your primary workspace will be in our professional office, which has a typical, quiet-to-moderate noise and light levels. As part of your work, you may also be required to visit active construction sites. These environments are naturally more dynamic and can include exposure to outdoor weather conditions, louder noise, and moving equipment. Your safety is our top priority, and you'll be expected to follow Clark Construction's safety policies and procedures, and all applicable laws, at all locations.

Our High-Performing Culture: This is a demanding, high-performance environment. We are looking for candidates who are energized by challenge, thrive under pressure, and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve exceptional results. Success in this role requires significant commitment, including flexibility to work extended hours, especially during critical project phases or client deadlines. Beyond regular working hours, there will be occasions where business needs require your attention, particularly for time-sensitive matters or emergencies. You are expected to monitor and respond to communications (phone calls, emails, text messages) as required to address these situations effectively. Your ability to manage these expectations and be responsive when critical issues arise is key to your success in this role and our collective success as a team.

A Drug Free Workplace: Clark promotes a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug “fitness for duty” screening is required, and the company conducts random quarterly drug “fitness for duty” tests.

Clark offers a total compensation package that includes base salary, bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, retirement/401k, and Company Contribution plan. Additional benefits include life insurance, commuter benefit, short & long term disability, fitness reimbursement, FSA, tuition reimbursement, back-up daycare, tutoring & family support benefits, EAP/Work-Life assistance, and a holiday contribution program. For this role the base salary range is $65,000 - $170,000. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Base pay is one part of the Total Compensation Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work.

https://www.clarkconstruction.com/careers/clark-experience

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Clark HR is the sole authorized representative of Clark Construction to execute any agreements with search firms, employment agencies or any employment vendor (“Vendor”). As a condition precedent to any entitlement for payment, a Vendor shall have both (1) Clark Construction Placement Agreement, and (2) an Engagement Job Order executed by an authorized Clark HR representative. Absent the properly executed documents, Clark HR shall have no obligation to make payment to the Vendor. Verbal or written communications from any employee of Clark Construction business units shall not be considered binding obligations. All resumes whether unsolicited or solicited shall be considered property of Clark HR.