Retirement Plan Specialist

Costco Wholesale Corporation • Issaquah, WA

20h • $94,000 - $105,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Retirement Plan Specialist is the primary contact for day-to-day operation of the Costco 401(k) Retirement Plan, the Costco Puerto Rico Retirement Plan, and the Employee Stock Purchase Program.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Retirement Plans Specialist to work closely with the Retirement Plans Manager on the administration and compliance of Costco’s retirement programs. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of retirement plan regulations, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to ensuring our plans meet all regulatory requirements while providing excellent benefits to our employees. This role requires flexibility and the ability to operate effectively within a calendar-based cycle where priorities may shift based on business needs and regulatory requirements. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as this position involves managing key internal relationships (e.g., Finance, Payroll, HR) and external relationships (e.g., plan recordkeepers, auditors, legal counsel).

Requirements

• 2 years of experience managing and administering retirement plans or equivalent experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent use of time and organizational skills.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Google applications (Slides, Docs, Sheets, Forms) and Microsoft products (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint); experience with HRIS and benefits databases.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and thoroughness while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations as they relate to qualified retirement plans.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications such as Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) or Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) are highly desirable.
• Comfortable with public speaking and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve personal and group goals.
• Successful experience working with the various levels of management within the company.
• High School Diploma or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Executes the day-to-day operations and administration of the Costco 401(k) Retirement Plan, the Costco Puerto Rico Retirement Plan, and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Works with outside counsel to ensure all retirement plans comply with a variety of government regulations.
• Executes operational tasks such as remittance of contributions, plan document review, plan corrections, as well as other tasks and projects as they arise.
• Responds to documentation requests from Costco's external auditors to facilitate the annual audits of the plans.
• Leads the non-discrimination testing process, from initiation to completion.
• Works closely with Costco’s retirement plan recordkeeper and plan trustee.
• Works proactively and professionally with multiple departments including Payroll, Human Resources, and IT.
• Coordinates communication initiatives to promote the retirement plans at the participant and location level. Facilitates delivery timelines and collects feedback from management.
• Stays current on changes in retirement plan legislation and best practices; making recommendations for plan amendments and improvements.
• Demonstrates a desire to learn new things. Displays intellectual curiosity and applies it to the subject matter. Identifies learning opportunities to strengthen knowledge, skill, and ability.
• Navigates difficult conversations with participants. Addresses issues immediately to ensure a timely resolution when responding to plan participants, as well as internal and external partners.
• Demonstrates business knowledge during interactions with team members, other Costco departments, and Costco management.
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks to ensure that deadlines are met and projects are completed in a timely manner.
• Looks for process improvements and makes recommendations for changes that help the department satisfy business needs efficiently.
• Travels to attend conferences and off-site meetings.
• Regular and reliable workplace attendance at your assigned location.

Benefits

• paid time off
• health benefits - medical/dental/vision/hearing aid/pharmacy/behavioral health/employee assistance
• health care reimbursement account
• dependent care assistance plan
• short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
• AD&D insurance
• life insurance
• 401(k)
• stock purchase plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED