Compensation & Retirement – COE Solution Specialist

Compensation & Retirement – COE Solution Specialist

The Compensation & Retirement – COE Solution Specialist is a pivotal role to ensure the total rewards programs are competitive, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals. This role develops and manages the base compensation plan, the non‑qualified deferred compensation plan, and is responsible for the development and compliance of the 401(k) and profit‑sharing plans. Acting as a fiduciary, the specialist ensures the plan(s) are in the best interest of participants and meet employee needs.

The role provides deep subject‑matter expertise in compensation best practices, benchmarking, deferred compensation and retirement plans.

• Establish and update compensation and benefits strategies and programs, including salary structures, that evaluate market competitiveness.
• Conduct ongoing market analysis and benchmarking to ensure pay practices are competitive and research new compensation trends.
• Ensure all compensation and benefits programs comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Implement technology that provides real‑time pay analysis.
• Leverage compensation data and analytics to inform proactive retention strategy, identifying and mitigating flight risks for top performers.
• Develop an executive‑level dashboard that provides real‑time insights into base salary and related metrics.
• Lead a compensation think tank across the construction market to explore future compensation trends.
• Fulfill the legal and fiduciary duties in managing the 401(k) plan and oversee risk management strategies.
• Ensure the 401(k) plan complies with all relevant laws and regulations, and that operations like contribution processing and distributions are handled correctly.
• Establish a benchmark to measure effectiveness and regularly review third‑party administrators (TPAs), investment advisors, and other vendors.
• Develop and implement ongoing campaigns and events that keep the compensation plan front‑of‑mind.
• Conduct and review annual testing to maintain compliance, providing a balanced approach to deferrals.
• Research, recommend, and develop an overall financial literacy program and leverage innovative technology.
• Improve 401(k) plan design, and stay current on legislative changes related to reporting, disclosures, and eligibility rules.
• Design and lead development of flexible NQDC plans tailored to the needs and risk tolerances of target groups.
• Apply understanding of tax rules for both qualified and non‑qualified plans to recommend optimal funding vehicles.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications channel to provide adequate education to eligible employees.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in compensation and retirement benefits, with subject‑matter expertise in 401(k) plan management.
• In‑depth understanding of compensation structures, job leveling, FLSA determination and market pricing tools.
• In‑depth knowledge of retirement planning concepts, investment strategies, and relevant laws, especially ERISA and tax rules.
• Strong knowledge of 401(k) plan rules, compliance, and operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of HR and benefits administration best practices.
• Industry experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and quantitative skills; proficient in Excel, statistical modeling, HRIS systems (Workday preferred), and reporting tools.

• CCP (Certified Compensation Professional), CEBS, or similar certification preferred.

• Inside office environment, constant or 67%–100% presence.

• Hearing: detailed oral communication.
• Repetitive motions: substantial movements of wrists, fingers, or hands; frequent.
• Sitting: extended periods; frequent.
• Talking: spoken communication; frequent.
• Vision: distinguishes characteristics of objects; constant.

$155,000 – $215,000

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