Manager, Benefits & Payroll

Navy Mutual is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Manager, Benefits & Payroll to lead the administration, compliance, and continuous improvement of our benefits, retirement, and payroll programs. This role is critical to ensuring an exceptional employee experience through accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of services.

As the organization's internal subject matter expert, you will oversee complex benefit and retirement plans-including pension and deferred compensation programs-as well as end-to-end payroll operations in a multi-state environment. This is a high-impact role requiring deep technical expertise, strong analytical capability, and a commitment to operational excellence.

This position is based in our Arlington, VA office with a hybrid schedule (in-office Tuesday-Thursday).

Key Responsibilities

Benefits & Wellness Administration

• Manage administration of all health & welfare programs (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA/HSA, EAP, and other employee benefits)
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA), including audits, filings (e.g., Form 5500), and required notices
• Lead benefits operations including eligibility, enrollments, life events, terminations, and vendor billing reconciliation
• Support open enrollment strategy, communications, and implementation
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee benefits inquiries and issue resolution
• Partner with brokers and vendors to ensure high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement
• Support leave and accommodations processes (FMLA, ADA, disability, workers' compensation)

Retirement Plan Administration

• Serve as the internal expert for all retirement plans (401(k), 457(b), 457(f), Pension)
• Administer plan operations including enrollments, distributions, loans, QDROs, and compliance testing
• Ensure compliance with ERISA and IRS regulations, including audits, filings, and plan documentation
• Manage vendor relationships and service performance
• Develop and deliver employee education and communication materials
• Support preparation of retirement plan reporting and presentations for leadership and Board committees

Payroll Administration

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing (bi-weekly and off-cycle) for salaried and hourly employees
• Ensure accuracy of compensation, tax withholdings, benefits deductions, and retirement contributions
• Oversee timekeeping compliance with FLSA and wage and hour regulations
• Conduct regular payroll audits and reconciliations (taxes, PTO balances, HRIS data, vendor feeds)
• Manage multi-state payroll tax compliance, registrations, filings, and issue resolution
• Partner with Finance and HR leadership to maintain strong internal controls and documented SOPs

Operational Excellence & Employee Experience

• Deliver responsive, high-quality service to employees and stakeholders
• Manage sensitive data with strict confidentiality and integrity
• Resolve employee inquiries through HR systems in a timely and professional manner
• Contribute to HR projects and continuous process improvements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in benefits, retirement plan administration, and payroll
• Deep expertise in retirement plans (401(k), 457(b), pension) and benefits compliance
• Strong knowledge of federal/state regulations (ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, FMLA, COBRA, IRS requirements)
• Experience with multi-state payroll compliance, tax reporting, and wage laws
• Demonstrated experience with HRIS systems and reporting (Dayforce strongly preferred)
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities
• Proven ability to manage complex processes with precision and accuracy
• Professional certification required (e.g., CBP, CPP, CRPP, RICP, QPA)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex topics clearly
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Preferred

• Experience in a non-profit or mission-driven organization
• Experience with Principal Financial or similar retirement platforms