Manager, Benefits - Pension Administration

Manager, Benefits - Pension AdministrationCommitted.  Competitive.  Constructing our Future.  That's Travelers. We are one of the leading insurance companies in the United States.  Our superior financial strength and consistent record of strong operating returns mean security for our customers - and opportunities for our employees.  You will find Travelers to be full of energy and a workplace in which you truly can make a difference. We are currently looking for a Customer Analytics Manager.  Please read on for more details regarding this position. JOB DESCRIPTION: Summary With general guidance and supervision develop and oversee pension administration team including direct management of team members. Manage day-to-day operations of pension administration including reviewing and auditing pension benefit calculations. Provide business analysis, system analysis and testing for the pension and other benefits plans for Travelers and subsidiary companies.  Directs services provided by outside vendors, assists in the analysis of employee benefit plans of acquired and divested companies and coordinates pension plan compliance work.  Primary Duties and Responsibilities Co-manage pension administration team of 9 people including direct management of 2-3 employees. Manage day-to-day operations of pension administration including reviewing and auditing pension benefit calculations, maintaining pension system database and ensuring that all processes are completed in a timely manner. Analyze retirement plans and recommend plan design and vendor changes; coordinate the introduction of new programs and processes; assist in the management of the retirement plans budgets.  Develop, monitor, control and implement operating and processing procedures that ensure adherence to qualified and nonqualified plan design. Ensure procedures are documented and evaluated.  Direct and monitor the activities of external vendors. Define requirements, activities and timelines to complete projects. Establish time and quality standards for outside service providers. Conduct customer needs analysis.  Conduct IRS required qualified plan non-discrimination testing.  Work with ERISA attorney to maintain pension plan document and ensure compliance with applicable laws. Prepare retirement plans 5500 filings, oversee production of SARS, and other governmental filings and reports to ensure regulatory compliance.  Analyze and assist in acquired company plan mergers, transfers and terminations, and recommends an integration approach for existing plans.  Review, approve and processes Qualified Domestic Relations Orders with legal assistance as required.  Write benefits plan communications and perform special benefits plan projects as assigned. Provides customer service to employees for escalated or complicated retirement plan questions.   Education / Work Experience College degree required, plus 5 or more years of experience working with pension and retirement plans. Education, training or experience in statistics, business analysis and project management. PC skills e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database ability e.g. PeopleSoft required. Successful data analysis experience required and ability to understand and apply systems support to benefit plan analysis and government compliance.  Experience working as a pension actuary preferred.  Other Knowledge of retirement plans and administrative systems/processes, nondiscrimination testing and other compliance requirements. Working knowledge of legal requirements under ERISA.  Analytical skills necessary to evaluate and understand current systems, find deficiencies and recommend changes. Ability to set priorities and ensure high standards in the development of benefit systems company wide. Strong oral and written communication skills and P.C. computer skills. Working knowledge and understanding of management principles, budget and cost controls. Must have the ability to manage vendors and projects. Must be creative and critical thinker. Must be able to work effectively with internal and external teams. In addition to an exciting environment, we offer: * Competitive base salary with additional opportunities for variable pay through recognition programs and incentive awards * 401(k) with company match* Comprehensive health plans that include coverage for same sex/domestic partners* Strong work/family and employee assistance programs* Tuition reimbursement * Vacation Purchase Plan* Training/Development opportunities We are proud to provide comprehensive, high quality employee programs to meet employees' needs now and in the future, including a very competitive financial package. Explore what we have to offer.  For immediate consideration for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button at the bottom of this posting.  Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We actively promote a drug-free workplace. Company: Travelers Companies, Inc.