Lead Retirement Programs & Total Rewards Consultant

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Job Description

Albemarle is hiring for a Lead Retirement Programs & Total Rewards Consultant. This role follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring in-office presence three days per week-Tuesday through Thursday-in our Charlotte, NC office.

The Lead Retirement Programs & Total Rewards Consultant serves as the primary subject matter expert (SME) for U.S. retirement programs, including qualified and nonqualified plans and executive deferred compensation. This role owns the operational delivery model for these programs, ensuring accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and an exceptional employee experience.

Operating as a thought partner to the Director of Retirement & Compensation in the COE, this role plays a critical part in assessing, shaping, and transforming how retirement programs are delivered. The Lead will strategically evaluate current processes, identify and implement improvements, and ensure vendor partnerships and internal workflows are optimized for scale and service excellence.

In addition to retirement program delivery, approximately 25-30% of the role will be dedicated to cross-functional Total Rewards support, which includes both project work and operational delivery assistance for other TR sub-functions as needed.

What You Will Do:

Retirement Program Leadership (Primary Focus ~70%)

• Serve as the primary SME and lead operational owner for the administration of U.S. qualified and nonqualified retirement plans and executive deferred compensation programs.
• Partner closely with the Director of Retirement & Compensation (COE) to align delivery execution with overall program strategy.
• Lead the strategic assessment and continuous improvement of retirement program delivery, including workflows, systems, and vendor performance.
• Oversee vendor relationships, manage escalations, and ensure service levels, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead annual compliance activities, including plan audits, nondiscrimination testing, Form 5500 filings, and other regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Payroll, Legal, and Finance to ensure accurate and compliant contributions, deductions, and financial reporting.
• Maintain and enforce adherence to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and other governance controls.
• Respond to and resolve complex retirement-related inquiries from employees and retirees, providing expert guidance and ensuring a high-quality service experience.

Total Rewards Cross-Functional Support (25-30%)

• Provide expertise and support for cross-functional Total Rewards initiatives, which may include process optimization projects, technology enhancements, and benefit program improvements.
• Assist with partial delivery of other Total Rewards sub-functions as needed, particularly Health & Benefits, to help manage workload during peak periods or resource constraints.
• Collaborate with peers in Compensation, Health & Benefits, Leave of Absence, and Equity Administration to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.
• Contribute to project management, reporting, and analysis for TR-wide initiatives.

Transformation & Process Optimization

• Evaluate current retirement delivery processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement scalable, employee-centric improvements.
• Lead process mapping, documentation, and standardization efforts to ensure operational consistency.
• Partner with HRIS, Payroll, vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders to optimize system integrations, data accuracy, and issue resolution.
• Drive retirement delivery transformation initiatives aligned with the organization's HR transformation strategy.

What You Bring

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or related field required.
• 8+ years of experience in retirement program administration (401(k), pension, deferred compensation), including leadership of process improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations governing retirement programs.
• Experience in vendor management, including performance monitoring and issue escalation.
• Proven track record of leading operational transformation projects within HR or Total Rewards.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems (Workday preferred) and retirement vendor platforms (e.g., Merrill Lynch, ADP).

Preferred:

• Deep subject matter expertise in U.S. retirement program administration.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex topics clearly to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven skill in building strong, collaborative relationships across functions and with external partners.
• Process-oriented mindset with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Employee-centric approach to service delivery, with a commitment to enhancing the employee experience.

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Benefits of Joining Albemarle

• Competitive compensation

• Comprehensive benefits package

• A diverse array of resources to support you professionally and personally.

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.