Senior Retirement Plan Specialist

Thompson Coburn, a large full‑service law firm with offices in eight (8) cities across the U.S., is in search of a full‑time exempt Senior Retirement Plan Specialist to join our St. Louis office. With over 450 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation and diversity, we collaborate and work in a welcoming, fast‑paced, and inclusive environment. This is a senior‑level role that partners closely with Finance leadership and key stakeholders across the firm. Reporting to the Senior Director, Finance, the Senior Retirement Plan Specialist is responsible for the administration, compliance, and operational oversight of the firm’s retirement programs, including the 401(k), Profit Sharing, and Cash Balance pension plans. The role ensures seamless integration with payroll and partner compensation, maintains compliance with ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations, and collaborates with external vendors, actuaries, and auditors. As the firm’s internal subject matter expert, this individual plays a critical role in audits, regulatory filings, partner communications, and ongoing process improvement initiatives. After an initial period of training, this position is eligible for a hybrid‑remote work schedule. Key Responsibilities Administers the Firm’s 401(k), Profit Sharing, and Cash Balance retirement plans in accordance with plan documents, ERISA, IRS regulations, and Department of Labor requirements. Serves as the Firm’s internal subject matter expert on retirement plan administration, compliance, and operations. Ensures accurate and timely processing of employee and partner contributions, profit sharing allocations, and Cash Balance credits. Coordinates closely with Payroll and other stakeholders to ensure accurate integration of retirement plan data with employee wages and partner compensation. Reconciles payroll deductions, employer contributions, plan funding requirements, and participant data across systems and vendors. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, including contribution limits, nondiscrimination testing (ADP/ACP), top heavy determinations, and eligibility rules. Supports and coordinates preparation of Form 5500 filings, schedules, disclosures, and required notices for all retirement plans. Identifies operational, compliance, or data errors and coordinates timely correction and appropriate escalation. Maintains accurate plan records, documentation, and controls to support audits, regulatory reviews, and fiduciary oversight. Serves as the primary liaison with plan recordkeepers, trustees, TPAs, investment advisors, actuaries, and external auditors. Participates in vendor meetings, service reviews, fee benchmarking, and plan evaluations. Supports retirement plan audits and compliance testing by providing required documentation and responding to auditor inquiries. Responds to employee and partner inquiries regarding but not limited to retirement plan participation, eligibility, contributions, loans, and distributions. Assists with employee and partner retirement education initiatives and enrollment communications. Develops, maintains, and improves written procedures, workflows, and internal controls related to retirement plan administration. Identifies opportunities for automation, process improvement, and risk mitigation across payroll and retirement plan functions. Supports plan amendments, vendor transitions, or system implementations as needed. Provides reporting and analysis to Finance and Firm leadership related to retirement plan activity, funding, and compliance. Calculates profit‑sharing entry dates and maintains within database and HRIS. Informs applicable stakeholders of regulatory changes affecting the plan. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Possess a high level of professionalism, poise, and interpersonal skills to work well with attorneys and employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence. Required to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others. Strong collaboration skills to successfully work with other individuals and departments to enhance the entire organization. Ability to read, write and communicate fluent English; compose documents in the appropriate business style using correct grammar and spelling; communicate clearly using proper grammar and diction over the telephone. Attention to detail, ability to balance multiple projects, and strong time‑management skills. Exercise sound judgment and discretion by handling sensitive or confidential information with professionalism and integrity. Reason and apply common‑sense understanding to situations encountered. Process routine daily functions while resolving sensitive issues and complex assignments using above‑average critical thinking skills. Collect information through communication, questioning and interviewing techniques. This is a full‑time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours on a regular basis and may require outside normal business hours to ensure completion of requirements. Travel as needed, although the need is expected to be rare. Education and Experience Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required. 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in retirement plan administration, payroll, benefits administration, or a related financial operations role required. Direct experience administering defined contribution plans, including 401(k) and profit‑sharing plans required. Prior experience supporting or coordinating with cash balance or defined benefit plans strongly preferred. Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full‑service, multi‑state firm with offices in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. In addition to an exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefits to qualifying employees: Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Dental Insurance Life Insurance & ADD policies Short & Long Term Disability Insurance Paid Parental Leave 401(k) Profit Sharing plans Parking/Transportation Stipend Section 125 Plan (Pre‑tax premiums and medical reimbursement) Paid Holidays Paid Vacation Time Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employee Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans) Long Term Care Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V #J-18808-Ljbffr Thompson Coburn LLP