Retirement Program Manager (Employee Benefits)

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We’re actively seeking a talented Retirement Program Manager (Employee Benefits) to join our People Experience (PX/HR) Total Rewards team, based in Newport Beach, CA, Omaha, NE or Charlotte, NC. This role follows a hybrid schedule of four days in the office (on-site). If you are not currently located near one of our offices, we offer comprehensive relocation benefits.

As our Retirement Program Manager, you will lead the end-to-end framework and administration of Pacific Life’s US-based employee retirement benefits, deliver deep operational and analytical support, and contribute to the long-term strategy that guides our plans.

You are highly skilled, self-driven, and capable of leading initiatives independently while contributing to the overall success of the retirement programs. You will drive the strategy, compliance, vendor partnership, plan design evolution, operational execution, and complex problem-solving, owning the full lifecycle rather than a narrow slice of the work. The expectation is that this role fully owns the employee retirement space, not just day-to-day questions. You will frequently “zoom in and zoom out,” moving between detailed operational issues (payroll impacts, plan rules, system behavior) and broader strategic decisions about how programs should evolve to meet employee needs.

How you’ll help move us forward:

• Lead the U.S. retirement benefits framework for our associates; administration and analysis of retirement plan benefits, including compliance with plan documents and regulations for the 401(k), Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)

• Monitor and manage retirement plan vendors to ensure performance aligns with agreed upon scope and service levels

• Understand and utilize best practices and knowledge of industry and business/customer needs, provide analysis, make recommendations, and lead the implementation of changes or enhancements to benefit programs

• Contribute to the annual budget process by forecasting retirement plan expenses and tracking budget vs. actual costs

• Oversee and administer a variety of ancillary benefit programs, such as the financial wellbeing programs and other related offerings

• Collaborate with the Internal Communications team on the creation of communication tools that enhance employee understanding of our retirement benefits. This includes developing presentations, FAQ guides, and other resources

• Manage the DCP annual enrollment event, as well as annual and ad-hoc Non-Qualified (NQ) distributions

• Complete benefits compliance activities, such as the 401(k) annual audit, reconciling and filing required forms (e.g. Form 5500/8955-SSA), conducting non-discrimination testing, updating and distributing plan documents and required disclosures

• Oversee retirement plan Investment Committee meetings by scheduling meetings, establishing agendas, preparing meeting materials, reviewing notes, and ensuring compliance with Committee guidelines

• Resolve escalated benefits inquiries from employees, retirees, and other HR stakeholders, ensuring timely and satisfactory resolution of each issue

• Manage actuarial valuation data requests by working with external consultants and PL’s Finance team

• Collaborate with employees, advisors, auditors, leaders and benefit vendors

• Partner with International Benefits to support the governance and administration of global pension plans, ensuring alignment on plan design, regulatory requirements, and ongoing operational needs

• Resolve retirement plan (401(k), DCP, SERP) corrections as necessary

• Stay current on retirement plan regulations

• Participate in internal process improvement initiatives and team projects

• Support additional ad-hoc benefits projects as they emerge

The experience you bring: 

• 7+ years of experience in end-to-end U.S. retirement benefits (401(k) and NQ plans)

• International retirement or global pension experience is a plus

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field

• Strong analytical skills that drive data-driven decisions and comprehensive problem-solving

• Excellent vendor management and communication skills

• Strong project management skills to effectively plan, prioritize, and deliver initiatives on time and within scope

• Strong attention to detail and highly organized, with the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and effectively prioritize work

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, ensuring streamlined data management and analysis

• Understanding of benefits, general HR processes, regulations, and compliance

• Hands-on experience with platforms like Workday or similar HRIS systems 

Base Salary Ranges per Location:

• Newport Beach, CA: $124,830 - $152, 570

• Charlotte, NC: $113,490 - $138,710

• Omaha, NE: $107,820 - $131,780

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.