Senior Benefits Specialist (Retirement)

This position has day-to-day responsibility for administering multiple retirement plans in the United States and Canada.  Serves as a liaison between the plan sponsor and third-party administrators and provides direction to third party administrators.  Makes decisions on day-to-day administrative matters as required.  Monitors changes in government regulations and takes appropriate action for impacted plans.   Responsible for all governmental reporting for US and Canadian plans and for ensuring that proper deductions and contributions are made in compliance with US and Canadian regulations.  Works directly with the plan actuary as required for both US and Canadian retirement plans. Actively participates in the annual external audit and serves as Louis Dreyfus retirement plan subject matter expert during audits. This position is required to be in the office 4 days with 1 remote work day (subject to change). This position can be located in Wilton, CT or Kansas City, MS401(k) & Canadian DC: Responsible to ensure that records at third party administrator and company payroll are correct and in sync and that plan operates in accordance with plan document401(k): Works with third party administrator on loan administration and is responsible to ensure that loans are appropriately coded during leaves401(k): Prepares annual true up calculation as required by plan documentUS defined benefit plan: acts as a resource to ensure that third party administrator has accurate participant information; researches as required; prepares more complicated benefit calculations in houseCanadian plans: review all plan assets, actuarial assumptions and contribution levels for plan; serves as liaison between plan actuary, third party plan administrator, and accounting; makes recommendations and decisions as requiredIn consultation with ERISA counsel and plan actuaries, maintain plan document to include amendments.  Works with plan advisors to ensure plan is in compliance and reporting requirements are complete.  In consultation with plan actuary, reviews, recommends, and makes Canadian estimated contributions & trues up at year endUS & Canadian plans: calculates and applies cost-of-living increase to all eligible participants in pay status; notifies plan administrators of adjustmentsProvides plan information to Company’s Risk Management group as required to ensure sufficient fiduciary liability coverageEnsures that retirement plan invoices are processed properly and paid in a timely manner; decides whether fees are payable from plan trust or from company assetsAct as point of contact for employees and plan participantsMonitors contribution provisions for all Canadian plans to remain in compliance; adjusts as necessary Additional ResponsibilitiesProvides direction to payroll when retirement plan deduction questions ariseCoordinates retirement plan participant communications as required to remain in complianceCoordinates annual education sessions for 401(k) plan participantsReconciles and provides adjustments as required for accurate T4 tax reportingServes as Company liaison as required for QDROsNotifies third party administrator if changes to union contract which impact active US & Canadian pension plansSpecial projects as assigned to include M&A due diligence