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Manager Defined Contribution Jobs in El Segundo, CA

... by managers and peers who started in the same seat. We will introduce you to our sales processes ... Paid Vacation and Holidays; 401(k) with match, plus defined contribution pension plan and special ...

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Manager Defined Contribution information

See El Segundo, CA salary details

$24.5K

$65.3K

$109.2K

How much do manager defined contribution jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager defined contribution in El Segundo, CA is $65,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $73,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near El Segundo, CA are hiring for Manager Defined Contribution jobs?

Cities near El Segundo, CA with the most Manager Defined Contribution job openings:

Vice President, Defined Contribution Lead

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Over the last 20 years, Ares' success has been driven by our people and our culture. Today, our team is guided by our core values - Collaborative, Responsible, Entrepreneurial, Self-Aware, Trustworthy - and our purpose to be a catalyst for shared prosperity and a better future. Through our recruitment, career development and employee-focused programming, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment where high-performance talent of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can build careers within this exciting and growing industry.

Job Description

About Ares Wealth Management Solutions (AWMS)

Ares Wealth Management Solutions (AWMS) oversees the product development, distribution, marketing, and client management activities of investment offerings for the global wealth management channel. With a team of more than 150 professionals and backed by the power and scale of the Ares platform, AWMS represents one of the most resourced wealth distribution and client service teams in the alternatives industry. AWMS' mission is to provide advisors and their clients access to innovative, solutions-oriented investment opportunities, across the Ares platform of industry leading credit, private equity, real estate, and secondaries strategies. Through our range of institutional and retail structures, coupled with excellent client service and educational resources, we help investors diversify their portfolios with private market solutions that can deliver consistent, long-term growth.

Position Summary

Ares is seeking a Vice President, Defined Contribution to join the RIA & Family Office Partnerships team. This individual will play a key role in executing Ares' defined contribution strategy across the wealth management ecosystem, helping expand the adoption of private markets within retirement-oriented investment programs.

The successful candidate will serve as a relationship manager, strategic partner, and subject matter expert across the defined contribution landscape, working closely with retirement-focused RIAs , recordkeepers, broker-dealers and other advisor platforms. This role requires a highly collaborative professional who can coordinate across distribution, product, marketing, legal, operations, and investment teams to advance strategic initiatives and drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Defined Contribution Strategy & Business Development

  • Support the execution of Ares' defined contribution strategy within the RIA, family office, and broader wealth management channels.
  • Partner with the RIA & Family Office sales team to uncover opportunities where retirement and wealth management channels intersect.
  • Develop and execute business plans and sales strategies designed to increase awareness, engagement, and adoption of Ares investment solutions.
  • Monitor retirement industry developments, competitive dynamics, regulatory changes, and product innovation trends to identify new opportunities.

Strategic Relationship Management

  • Maintain strong relationships with key defined contribution stakeholders, including advisors, consultants, recordkeepers, home office research teams, and platform executives.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for strategic retirement-related partners and support partner onboarding, due diligence, fund placement, and education initiatives.
  • Proactively engage with existing and prospective partners to identify opportunities and address business needs in a timely manner.

Advisor Education & Thought Leadership

  • Serve as a subject matter expert on retirement investing and the role of alternative investments within participant portfolios.
  • Deliver presentations, webinars, educational events, and thought leadership content to advisors, consultants, and platform partners.
  • Support conference participation, partner events, sponsorships, roadshows, and other industry engagements.
  • Develop insights and recommendations regarding evolving retirement market trends and implementation considerations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Product Management, Investor Services, Marketing, Legal, Compliance, Operations, and Investment Teams to advance key strategic initiatives.
  • Coordinate internal resources to support onboarding efforts, diligence processes, fundraising initiatives, and partner engagement activities.
  • Maintain and oversee pipeline, relationship, and opportunity tracking systems to ensure effective follow-up and execution.
  • Prepare presentations, business reviews, and strategic updates for senior management, including pipeline activity, partner engagement, and growth opportunities.
  • Provide market feedback to support product development, positioning, and future retirement-focused initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 7+ years of experience in defined contribution or retirement consulting
  • Strong understanding of the defined contribution landscape, including 401(k), 403(b), 457, and other retirement structures.
  • Experience working with RIAs, family offices, retirement advisors, consultants, recordkeepers, or wealth management platforms.
  • Demonstrated relationship management and business development experience with institutional or intermediary clients.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Ability to operate effectively across multiple stakeholders and manage numerous strategic initiatives simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with CRM systems and pipeline management processes.

Preferred

  • Knowledge of alternative investments, private markets, and portfolio construction frameworks.
  • Existing relationships across the retirement and defined contribution ecosystem.
  • Professional designations such as CFA, CAIA, CFP, CIMA, QKS, AIF or similar credentials.
  • Experience working in a highly collaborative, matrixed organization.

Reporting Relationships

Partner, Head of RIA & Family Offices

Compensation

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

$190,000 - $220,000

The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.

Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.

There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.