ESOP Client Relationship Manager

Voya Financial • Windsor, CT

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Together we fight for everyone’s opportunity for a better financial future. We will do this together — with customers, partners and colleagues. We will fight for others, not against: We will stand up for and champion everyone’s access to opportunities. The status quo is not good enough … we believe every individual and every community deserves access to financial opportunities. We are determined to support both individuals and communities in reaching a better financial future. We know that reaching this future depends on our actions today. Like our Purpose Statement, Voya believes in being bold and committed to action. We are committed to a work environment where the differences that we are born with — and those we acquire throughout our lives — are understood, valued and intentionally pursued. We believe that our employees own our culture and have a responsibility to foster an environment where we all feel comfortable bringing our whole selves to work. Purposefully bringing our differences together to positively influence our culture, serve our clients and enrich our communities is essential to our vision. Are you ready to join a company with a strong purpose and a winning culture? Start your Voyage – Apply Now Role Summary The Senior Plan Manager is a key leader within the ESOP Plan Management team, responsible for the strategic oversight, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance of the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This role ensures the ESOP is administered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational goals, fiduciary responsibilities, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in ESOP administration, strong cross‑functional partnership skills, and the ability to translate complex plan rules into clear guidance for stakeholders and participants. Key Responsibilities ESOP Plan Strategy & Governance Serve as a subject matter expert for the company’s ESOP, providing strategic oversight and guidance on plan design, administration, and long‑term sustainability. Partner with Legal, Finance, Tax, Payroll, and external advisors to ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor requirements. Support fiduciary governance processes, including documentation, audits, valuations, and trustee interactions. Plan Administration & Operations Oversee day‑to‑day ESOP administration, including eligibility, allocations, distributions, vesting, diversification, and participant transactions. Ensure accurate and timely execution of annual ESOP activities, including valuations, statements, and required filings. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and participant experience. Stakeholder & Participant Engagement Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, HR partners, and business leaders on ESOP‑related matters. Develop and deliver clear, compliant communications and education materials to help participants understand the ESOP and its value. Respond to complex participant inquiries with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. Risk Management & Compliance Monitor regulatory changes and assess potential impacts to the ESOP, proactively recommending updates or mitigation strategies. Partner with internal audit and external advisors to address findings and strengthen controls. Ensure documentation, policies, and procedures remain current and audit‑ready. Leadership & Team Development (if applicable) Mentor and guide junior plan managers or analysts, fostering strong technical capability and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Contribute to broader benefits and total rewards initiatives through ESOP expertise. Why This Role Matters The Senior Plan Manager plays a critical role in safeguarding one of the company’s most meaningful employee ownership programs. This position directly impacts compliance, employee trust, and the long‑term success of the ESOP—making it both a highly visible and highly impactful role.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred (e.g., CEPA, CPA, JD, or similar).
• 7+ years of experience in ESOP administration, retirement plan management, or a closely related field.
• Strong working knowledge of ERISA, IRS regulations, fiduciary responsibilities, and ESOP operational best practices.
• Experience partnering with trustees, valuation firms, and external advisors.
• Proven ability to manage complex processes with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Deep ESOP technical expertise with the ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level communication.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and comfort operating in a highly regulated environment.
• Collaborative mindset with the confidence to lead through influence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for the company’s ESOP, providing strategic oversight and guidance on plan design, administration, and long‑term sustainability.
• Partner with Legal, Finance, Tax, Payroll, and external advisors to ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor requirements.
• Support fiduciary governance processes, including documentation, audits, valuations, and trustee interactions.
• Oversee day‑to‑day ESOP administration, including eligibility, allocations, distributions, vesting, diversification, and participant transactions.
• Ensure accurate and timely execution of annual ESOP activities, including valuations, statements, and required filings.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and participant experience.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, HR partners, and business leaders on ESOP‑related matters.
• Develop and deliver clear, compliant communications and education materials to help participants understand the ESOP and its value.
• Respond to complex participant inquiries with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess potential impacts to the ESOP, proactively recommending updates or mitigation strategies.
• Partner with internal audit and external advisors to address findings and strengthen controls.
• Ensure documentation, policies, and procedures remain current and audit‑ready.
• Mentor and guide junior plan managers or analysts, fostering strong technical capability and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to broader benefits and total rewards initiatives through ESOP expertise.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision and life insurance plans
• 401(k) Savings plan – with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%)
• Voya Retirement Plan – employer paid cash balance retirement plan (4%)
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Paid time off – including 20 days paid time off, nine paid company holidays and a flexible Diversity Celebration Day.
• Paid volunteer time — 40 hours per calendar year

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level