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Manager Defined Contribution Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Analyst, Fund Accounting

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41K - $61K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The analyst works on large asset owner plans, primarily large Defined Contribution (i.e. 401k) and Defined Benefit (Pension) ERISA plans. The analyst will assess the impact of investment manager ...

Senior Product Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$130K - $172K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Retirement Manager Engagement Platform (Data Focused) The Group The Retirement business unit ... the defined contribution and workplace markets. This is a high growth area for Morningstar ...

Apply now Manager, Accounting Posting Start Date: 2/13/26 Job Location (Short): Chicago, Illinois ... Oversee accounting for defined benefit and defined contribution plans. * Coordinate with third ...

Senior Product Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$121 - $186/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

AP-23655229Retirement Manager Engagement Platform (Data Focused)The GroupThe Retirement business ... the defined contribution and workplace markets. This is a high growth area for Morningstar ...

New

Manager, Accounting Posting Start Date: 2/13/26 Job Location (Short): Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60631 ... Pension Accounting • Oversee accounting for defined benefit and defined contribution plans. • ...

National Account Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The National Account Manager- MASS is responsible for managing, developing, and scaling Swisher ... Generous 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan Paid vacation and paid holidays Tuition ...

New

National Account Manager

Chicago, IL

$116K - $208K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The National Account Manager- MASS is responsible for managing, developing, and scaling Swisher ... Defined Contribution Plan * Paid vacation and paid holidays * Tuition reimbursement * Professional ...

MEP/PEP Client Service Manager

Chicago, IL

$60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Manages and nurtures relationships with qualified defined contribution retirement plans using our recordkeeping platform. Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned relationships, addresses ...

Change Management Sr Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $206K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The role of the Workforce Modernization Change Enablement Sr Manager reports to the Sr. Director ... Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree * Minimum of 8 years of ...

Change Management Sr Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $206K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The role of the Workforce Modernization Change Enablement Sr Manager reports to the Sr. Director ... Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree * Minimum of 8 years of ...

Showing results 21-40

Manager Defined Contribution information

What is a manager defined contribution?

Manager Defined Contribution jobs involve overseeing and administering defined contribution retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or 403(b)s, within an organization. These managers ensure compliance with regulations, handle plan design and implementation, and work with employees, vendors, and financial advisors to optimize plan performance. They are responsible for reporting, plan communications, enrollment, and addressing participant questions while staying updated on relevant laws and best practices.

How does a manager defined contribution typically collaborate with other departments to ensure compliance and effective plan administration?

As a Manager Defined Contribution, you will frequently partner with departments such as legal, human resources, payroll, and finance to ensure that retirement plans are administered in strict accordance with regulatory requirements and company policies. This collaboration involves coordinating audits, sharing updates on legislative changes, and resolving participant issues. Strong communication and project management skills are essential, as you will often lead cross-functional meetings and workgroups to streamline processes and implement plan enhancements. This collaborative environment not only supports compliance but also fosters ongoing professional development and organizational alignment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager defined contribution, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Defined Contribution, you need in-depth knowledge of retirement plan administration, ERISA regulations, and experience managing 401(k) or similar defined contribution plans, often supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications such as QKA or CPC. Familiarity with recordkeeping platforms, compliance software, and financial reporting systems is typically required. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing plan performance, and delivering excellent service to plan sponsors and participants.

What is the difference between Manager Defined Contribution vs Financial Advisor?

AspectManager Defined ContributionFinancial Advisor
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like CFP, CFA, or CPAOften holds CFP, CFA, or similar financial planning certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks within retirement plan management, often for corporations or financial firmsProvides personalized financial planning and investment advice to clients
Employer & IndustryFinancial services, retirement plan providers, asset management firmsIndependent or firm-based financial planning practices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in retirement plan management and investment strategiesSeeking personalized financial planning and investment advice

Manager Defined Contribution professionals focus on managing retirement plans and overseeing contributions for organizations, often working within financial firms. Financial Advisors provide tailored financial planning and investment advice to individual clients. While both roles require similar certifications and work in the financial industry, their primary functions differ: one manages retirement plans, the other offers personalized financial guidance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defined Contribution jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Defined Contribution jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Manager Defined Contribution jobs in Illinois?

For Manager Defined Contribution jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager Defined Contribution jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Defined Contribution jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Manager Defined Contribution jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Manager Defined Contribution job openings:

Director, TPA Operations, Strategic Partnerships

Strongpoint Partners

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Who we are:
Strongpoint Partners is tech-enabled retirement services platform serving small- to mid-sized businesses with integrated retirement third party administration, recordkeeping, payroll, and HR solutions. Recognized as one of Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies in America and certified as a Great Place to Work, Strongpoint offers a suite of services that prioritizes accuracy, compliance, and reduction of regulatory risk for its clients, delivered by local client success teams that understand the nuances of the markets they serve. With a coast-to-coast network of 19 leading firms including HowardSimon ("HSR"), Jocelyn Pension Consulting ("JPC"), Retirement Strategies Group ("RSG"), Retirement Planners and Administrators ("RPA"), Pension Financial Services ("PFS"), Pollard & Associates ("PA"), Carlson Quinn ("CQ"), SI GROUP ("SIG"), Retirement Planning Consulting Group ("RPCG"), Karel-Gordon & Associates ("KGA"), Cash Balance Actuaries ("CBA"), Pension Consultants, Inc. ("PCI"), Actuaries Unlimited ("AUI"), California Retirement Plans ("CRP"), Benefit Equity ("BEI"), United Benefit Pensions, Inc. ("UBP"), Creative Retirement Systems ("CRS"), Associated Pension Consultants ("APC"), Allied Consultants, Inc. ("ACI"), American Retirement Plan Services, LLC ("ARPS"), and SMS Retirement ("SMS"). Strongpoint Partners combines a relentless passion for service and innovation with the experience and expertise required to make retirement work for everyone. For more information, please visit: www.strongpointpartners.com.
Position Summary:
Strongpoint Partners is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Director, TPA Operations, Strategic Partnerships to lead the administration, growth, and strategic development of a defined contribution retirement plan practice within the Strongpoint platform.
This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing retirement plan operations, managing key client and advisor relationships, supporting partner firms across the Strongpoint network, and building the team, processes, and infrastructure necessary to support long-term growth. The ideal candidate is a seasoned TPA professional with extensive experience managing complex retirement plan portfolios, leading administration teams, and serving as a trusted consultant to plan sponsors, advisors, and industry partners.
The Director will operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on technical resource, driving operational excellence while contributing to business development initiatives, acquisitions and integrations, talent development, and financial performance. This individual must be comfortable moving between executive-level strategy discussions and detailed plan administration work as business needs require.
PLEASE NOTE: Our preference is for this role to be based at our Chicago headquarters, either in-person or following a hybrid work model. However, we are open to considering fully remote arrangements for highly qualified candidates.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plan Administration & Compliance Leadership
    • Provide oversight for a diverse portfolio of defined contribution retirement plans, including owner-only plans, safe harbor plans, cross-tested plans, ESOPs, and large audited plans.
    • Ensure timely and accurate completion of annual compliance testing, Form 5500 filings, participant disclosures, and all required regulatory reporting.
    • Serve as a technical resource and escalation point for complex compliance, operational, and plan design matters.
    • Support Plan Administrators through annual audits, IRS and Department of Labor examinations, plan corrections, voluntary compliance programs, and plan terminations.
    • Consult on merger and acquisition activity impacting retirement plans, providing guidance on plan mergers, asset transfers, and operational integration requirements.
    • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and communicate implications to clients, advisors, and internal teams.
    • Establish and maintain operational procedures, quality control standards, and best practices that promote consistency and scalability.
  • Strategic Partnership Support & Capacity Management
    • Serve as a resource for Strongpoint's affiliated TPA partner firms during periods of capacity constraints, staffing transitions, or other operational needs.
    • Coordinate temporary or transitional administration services for partner firm clients while maintaining service continuity and client satisfaction.
    • Collaborate closely with partner firm leadership to facilitate seamless transitions of plan administration responsibilities.
    • Act as a technical consultant and operational resource for partner firms facing complex plan issues, regulatory challenges, or administrative questions.
    • Foster strong relationships across the Strongpoint partner network while respecting and preserving existing client and advisor relationships.
    • Maintain transparency with Strongpoint leadership regarding resource allocation, portfolio management, and partner support activities.
  • New Business Onboarding & Book Conversion Management
    • Lead the onboarding, conversion, and implementation of new retirement plan clients and transferred books of business entering the Strongpoint network.
    • Oversee onboarding and document teams responsible for plan setup, document preparation, recordkeeper coordination, payroll integration, and participant communications.
    • Design, document, and continuously improve onboarding workflows, conversion processes, and quality assurance procedures.
    • Develop scalable operational frameworks to support future growth and acquisition activity.
    • Partner with Strongpoint's M&A and integration teams to facilitate retirement plan transitions associated with newly acquired firms.
    • Monitor onboarding timelines and client experience metrics to ensure successful implementations.
  • Client & Advisor Relationship Management
    • Serve as the senior relationship manager for assigned plan sponsor clients and key advisor relationships.
    • Lead plan design consultations, annual review meetings, fiduciary discussions, and ongoing strategic planning conversations.
    • Provide clients with cost-benefit analyses and recommendations regarding plan design enhancements, compliance strategies, and participant outcomes.
    • Manage escalated service issues and complex operational challenges while maintaining client confidence and trust.
    • Participate in advisor presentations, prospect meetings, industry events, and business development opportunities.
    • Build and maintain long-term relationships with financial advisors, consultants, recordkeepers, and other strategic partners.
  • Team Leadership & Talent Development
    • Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop retirement plan administration professionals as the business grows.
    • Create a high-performance culture focused on client service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
    • Assign and balance workloads based on plan complexity, staff capabilities, and organizational priorities.
    • Conduct performance evaluations, establish development plans, and administer compensation and incentive programs.
    • Provide technical training, coaching, and mentorship to strengthen team capabilities and succession planning.
    • Identify opportunities to improve employee engagement, retention, and career progression within the organization.
  • Financial Management & Strategic Leadership
    • Own and manage the business unit profit and loss statement, understanding the financial impact of staffing, pricing, technology, and operational decisions.
    • Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, staffing plans, and productivity metrics.
    • Identify opportunities to improve profitability, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
    • Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, growth initiatives, acquisition integration, and long-term business objectives.
    • Evaluate technology solutions, vendor relationships, and operational investments that support scalability and client experience.
    • Establish and track key performance indicators related to service delivery, employee performance, client satisfaction, and financial results.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Human Resources, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of retirement plan administration experience within a Third-Party Administrator (TPA), consulting firm, recordkeeper, or related retirement services organization.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex defined contribution retirement plans and plan sponsor relationships.
  • Strong technical knowledge of ERISA, Internal Revenue Code qualification requirements, IRS and DOL regulations, compliance testing, Form 5500 reporting, and plan correction programs.
  • Previous experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing retirement plan professionals.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional service standards.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, consulting, and relationship management skills.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • ASPPA credentials such as QKA, QKC, CPC, QPA, TGPC, or equivalent industry certifications.
  • Experience supporting retirement plan transitions related to mergers and acquisitions.
  • Prior responsibility for departmental budgeting, financial management, or P&L oversight.
  • Experience implementing operational improvements and scaling service organizations.
  • Familiarity with multiple recordkeeping platforms and retirement plan administration systems.

What Success Looks Like:
  • Consistently delivers exceptional service and compliance outcomes across a diverse retirement plan portfolio.
  • Successfully supports Strongpoint partner firms through operational challenges while maintaining strong relationships.
  • Builds scalable onboarding and administration processes that support business growth.
  • Develops a high-performing team with strong technical expertise and client service capabilities.
  • Contributes meaningfully to revenue growth, profitability, and strategic initiatives.
  • Serves as a trusted advisor to clients, financial advisors, partner firms, and executive leadership.

Pay Transparency Statement:
The anticipated pay range for this position is $150,000-$175,000 annually plus potential annual bonus.
At Strongpoint Partners, our salary ranges reflect the minimum and maximum base pay for the posted position applicable to all locations across the US. Within the posted salary range, individual pay is determined by the geographic location, job related skills, experience, education, and certifications. Our total compensation package includes base pay plus a comprehensive benefits program.
Our Value-Driven Employee Experience:
  • Flexible Workplace - Hybrid and remote options available for many roles.
  • Flexible PTO - Competitive paid time off, including flexible & unlimited options.
  • Inclusive Environment - A culture that values diversity, collaboration, and respect.
  • Growth Opportunities - Support for ongoing learning and career development.
  • Comprehensive Benefits - Health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
  • Workplace Perks - Incentive bonus programs, flexible hours, & more.

**Specific benefits and programs may vary by partner and position.