Retirement Benefits Analyst

Retirement Benefits Analyst

The Retirement Benefits Analyst is responsible for the leadership, administration, and strategic analysis of our retirement and non-qualified benefit programs. This role serves as a key driver of plan health through advanced analytics on performance and participation, while also serving as the primary coordinator for the Investment Committee and plan governance.

Retirement Plan Administration & Governance

• Coordinate, administer, and oversee 401(k), GRRSP/DPSP, and non-qualified Deferred Compensation programs.
• Own the Investment Committee lifecycle: Manage the annual meeting calendar, develop comprehensive agendas, coordinate with presenters, and maintain meticulous organization of all meeting materials and minutes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for investment advisors and related vendors to ensure alignment with committee goals.
• Coordinates retirement plan vendors to ensure "best in class" customer service in administering Michaels plans as set outlined in our plan documents.
• Ensures vendor support systems and integrations are operating properly mitigating compliance and service issues.

Analytics, Reporting & Strategy

• Drive Plan Analytics: Develop and maintain reporting frameworks to track plan performance, investment trends, and team member participation rates.
• Data-Driven Insights: Analyze participation data to identify demographic gaps and recommend targeted communication strategies to improve team member retirement readiness.
• Surveys & Questionnaires: Lead the participation in and analysis of various plan surveys and questionnaires. Perform deep-dive benchmarking analysis to ensure Michaels' programs remain competitive.
• Oversee the work of co-sourcing partner (TCS) regarding retirement processes, including audit of completed work to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Ensures data relating to retirement plans including accuracy of vendor files and payroll deductions, collection of contributions and premiums and integration between systems both internal and external through establishing, coordinating, and conducting ongoing audits.

Compliance & Communication

• Support the Director in delivering annual audits with internal/external auditors and the preparation of Retirement Plan Form 5500.
• Respond to and resolve complex Team Member concerns regarding retirement and non-qualified plans.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for retirement plans and coordinate plan communications in partnership with vendors.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Minimum Special Certifications or Technical Skills

• 3-5 years Human Resources or Benefits experience
• Advanced Excel skills. (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, data modeling).
• Intermediate proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint (for committee presentations).
• Experience with Workday or other similar HRIS systems.

Minimum Type of Experience

• Experience as primary analyst for retirement and non-qualified plans
• Proven experience in data analysis and reporting related to plan participation and performance.
• Knowledge of ERISA, DOL, 401(k), Form 5500 and other laws and legislative requirements
• Experience coordinating formal committee meetings or executive-level administrative processes.

Other Requirements

• Must thrive in a fast paced, high volume environment with ability to manage a busy workload and meet established deadlines.
• Strong attention to details, with speed and accuracy
• Ability to influence across the business and build strong relationships with cross-functional partners in Finance, Payroll, Store operations, and HR.
• Completing surveys and providing plan benchmarking analysis