Senior 401K Specialist Job Clearwater area,Florida USA,Business

Senior 401K Specialist

We are excited to announce a full-time, Senior 401K Specialist opportunity! In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert for the design, implementation, governance, and ongoing administration of qualified retirement plans (including 401(k) plans) and related programs. You will ensure operational excellence and regulatory compliance, and lead complex plan initiatives from design through execution.

This position reports to the VP of Benefits and provides a high degree of autonomy. You will serve as a technical resource for retirement plan matters and may provide guidance, training, and informal leadership to team members.

Responsibilities

Serves as the senior subject matter expert for 401(k) plan operations, plan document provisions, and regulatory requirements (ERISA, Internal Revenue Code, Department of Labor guidance) to ensure compliant plan administration.

Leads and coordinates annual compliance activities including ADP/ACP, Top Heavy, coverage, and other nondiscrimination testing; supports corrective action processes as needed in partnership with internal stakeholders and external providers.

Consults with clients and internal partners on plan design strategy (eligibility, match/profit sharing, safe harbor features, auto-enrollment/auto-escalation) and oversights plan adoptions, amendments, restatements, and conversions to ensure timely and accurate implementation.

Provides senior-level oversight of day-to-day plan administration, including review of data integrity, contribution processing, eligibility, vesting, and distribution events; performs and documents quality control/audit reviews to mitigate operational risk.

Interprets and applies retirement plan regulations and plan document provisions to resolve complex issues, recommend process improvements, and provide clear guidance to clients, employees, and internal teams.

Oversees plan audit coordination, third-party administrator and recordkeeper deliverables, and Form 5500 preparation/filing processes (including required schedules and supporting documentation), ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.

Provides escalation support for participant transactions and interpretations, including loans, hardships, Qualified Domestic Relations Order coordination, distributions, and required minimum distributions, ensuring accurate processing and appropriate documentation.

Partners with internal leadership to support fiduciary governance processes, including preparation of materials for Investment/Retirement Plan Committee meetings, tracking action items, and maintaining required committee documentation.

Develops and delivers advanced client and participant education and communication strategies (enrollment meetings, webinars, targeted campaigns), ensuring messages are accurate, compliant, and aligned with plan features and objectives.

Manages complex client inquiries and vendor coordination with timely, professional communication; ensures appropriate prioritization, documentation, and resolution of issues.

Analyzes plan metrics (participation, deferral rates, match utilization, asset and loan activity) and provides consultative reporting and recommendations to clients and internal partners to improve participant outcomes and plan success.

Leads or supports retirement plan projects and continuous improvement initiatives (process redesign, controls, documentation, automation) to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and strengthen compliance.

Collaborates with Marketing, Sales, and Benefits teams to support client growth and retention by aligning retirement plan communications, enrollment strategies, and service delivery with broader client needs.

Maintains accurate, timely documentation and records for all plan-related activities and follows established company policies and procedures.

Working knowledge of retirement plan service models and vendor ecosystems (recordkeepers, TPAs, auditors, ERISA counsel, investment advisors) and the ability to manage deliverables and service issues effectively.

Advanced knowledge of qualified retirement plan administration and compliance, including ERISA, IRS/DOL requirements, plan…