Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Blue Ridge Associates is a professional services firm specializing in third-party administration of employee stock ownership and retirement plans. The Retirement Plan Consultant independently manages a varied or complex block of defined contribution retirement plans, overseeing administration, compliance testing, filings, transactions, and client relationships while coordinating with internal teams and service partners.
Responsibilities
- Independently manage a varied or complex block of defined contribution retirement plans and maintain complete oversight of required administration and client deliverables
- Review and deliver annual compliance testing, contribution calculations, and governmental filings accurately and within established deadlines
- Maintain accurate and complete plan, client, contact, workflow, and status information in applicable client relationship management and administration systems
- Serve as the primary relationship contact for assigned clients and communicate proactively regarding information requests, deadlines, results, required actions, plan matters, and service expectations
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with plan sponsors, financial advisors, CPAs, recordkeeping providers, and other service partners to support client satisfaction and retention
- Review benefit distributions and other assigned plan transactions in accordance with plan provisions, regulatory requirements, and established procedures
- Read and interpret plan documents and applicable regulatory guidance and advise clients regarding plan administration, operational considerations, and plan design options within the scope of the role
- Analyze plan and client matters, identify risks or exceptions, evaluate potential solutions, and resolve issues independently or engage specialized internal resources when appropriate
- Lead client meetings and communicate technical findings, results, options, recommendations, responsibilities, and next steps clearly
- Monitor all recurring and project-based deadlines and consistently follow up with clients and partners for required data, decisions, or additional information
- Collaborate with Operations, Compliance, Client Experience, and other internal teams to establish clear ownership, coordinate handoffs, resolve issues, and support a consistent internal service model
- Communicate significant issues, exceptions, service risks, or potential delays promptly to the appropriate internal resource or level of authority
- Follow Blue Ridge policies, procedures, quality standards, and internal controls and protect confidential company, client, participant, and plan information
- Maintain strong technical knowledge of retirement plan administration, regulatory requirements, systems, and industry practices through continuing education
- Provide knowledge sharing, peer support, and informal guidance to Associate Retirement Plan Consultants and other team members as requested
- Meet assigned service, processing, quality, productivity, and client-retention goals
- Perform other related responsibilities and projects as assigned
Skills
- 4+ years of progressive experience in defined contribution retirement plan administration; experience independently managing a client-facing block of business required
- Demonstrated experience interpreting plan documents, managing annual administration and regulatory deliverables, resolving complex plan matters, and maintaining client relationships
- Strong knowledge of defined contribution retirement plan administration and applicable ERISA and Internal Revenue Code requirements
- Proven ability to read and interpret retirement plan documents, apply regulatory guidance, and resolve varied or complex administration matters
- Strong consulting, client-service, and relationship-management skills with the ability to communicate proactively and manage expectations
- Sound technical and service judgment, including the ability to analyze issues, evaluate potential solutions, and escalate significant risks appropriately
- Effective collaboration, analytical thinking, problem-solving, organization, and time-management skills
- Ability to independently manage a varied or complex plan load, competing priorities, regulatory deadlines, and client expectations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical matters clearly to clients and partners
- Strong attention to detail, accountability, follow-through, and commitment to consistent service and quality
- Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and retirement administration, CRM, workflow, and collaboration systems
- Must be authorized to work in the US
- Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant work experience may be considered
- Industry-related credential through ASPPA, NIPA, or a comparable organization preferred
Benefits
- Remote-first work culture with in-office options (VA, MD, OH, IL, CA, MN)
- Competitive salary & comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
- 401(k) with company match + HSA with company contribution
- Generous PTO for parental leave, vacation, and holiday time
- Support for certifications, association dues, and professional development
- A collaborative and inclusive company culture: happy hours, social events, employee-led committees, and volunteer opportunities
Company Overview