Specialist, Benefits Vendor Management - 401(k) Administration

If you’re passionate about becoming a Nationwide associate and believe you have the potential to be something great, let’s talk. At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

We are looking for a Benefits Vendor Manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of Nationwide’s 401(k) plan. This role will serve as the primary liaison with our recordkeeper and managed account provider, ensuring compliance with key administrative processes, such as auto-enrollment and auto-increase campaigns, non-discrimination testing, and various participant communications.  

The preferred candidate will be confident in handling participant inquiries and committed to delivering a smooth, supportive experience for plan participants. Candidates should be highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Success in this role also requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a cross-functional team. An understanding of 401(k) regulations and operational best practices is preferred, along with familiarity with Workday and ServiceNow. 

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Job Description Summary

Our work supports healthier, more secure and productive lives, allowing associates and retirees focus on their work or on enjoying their retirement. As is true throughout Nationwide, outstanding customer service is our standard. If you value being able to help people when they most need it, by providing and communicating a competitive benefits program for a diverse, engaged workforce, we want to know more about you!

As a Specialist, you'll manage the day-to-day relationship with benefit plan vendors. We'll count on you to track, research, analyze and report trends related to plan design and service and to provide reporting to leadership on vendor performance. You'll have opportunities to partner with internal departments and external partners on projects, process improvements and resolutions of critical issues and programs that impact associates, retirees and their dependents.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops, maintains and supports relationships with internal and external partners. Acts as liaison between Nationwide and benefits plan vendors. Provide timely information and assistance to leadership regarding plan, policy or procedure changes.

• Tracks and trend key issues, recommends alternative solutions and process improvements to improve service delivery.

• Assists and facilitates resolutions of issues between internal departments and external partners, including system interfaces and processes. 

• Assists in researching and resolving problems of plan interpretation. Reviews partner benefit templates, system set ups and member communications for accuracy.

• Monitors and manages issue log with each vendor, performance guarantees, and service level agreements.

• Conducts, coordinates and facilitates periodic meetings with vendors including quarterly/semi-annual/annual partner reviews.

• Develops resources/tools and delivers training to frontline representatives including plan documents, Human Resources Information Services and vendor websites, systems, programs, procedures and processes. Provides company culture training to vendor call center teams.

• Conducts monthly case audits for calls/cases relating to assigned vendors

• Participates in or leads special projects and task teams implementation of changes with existing vendors, new partners and/or plan updates and changes.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Director within Benefits. This is an individual contributor role. 

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate studies in business administration, economics, finance or human resources preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: Progress towards industry or benefits-related certifications (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), or Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI)) preferred. 

Experience: Minimum of four years in benefits planning or administration, vendor management and project management.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Confirmed knowledge of vendor management and project management concepts and techniques. Must have demonstrated knowledge in benefits theory, regulations and practices.

Skills: Demonstrated project management and process improvement skills. Must have well-developed verbal and written communication skills for interaction with associates, management, internal departments and external vendors. Must possess strong analytical skills. Able to act as a facilitator/lead for project teams or work groups.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the Associate Vice President, Benefits Planning and HR Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Exempt (Not Eligible)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Occasional travel. Non-standard or extended hours based on project needs.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people in the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

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NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:

We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.